EUROPEAN FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

So glad to have chosen bookf1.com to get my tickets to the European GP in Valencia. As a special birthday treat for my husband, they offered me advice on the best stand to chose and replied to any questions i had by immediate emails. The stand P2 was covered, and because the weather was a remarkable 39 degrees on the day, it was lovely and cool there. Our seats were 5 rows from the front and directly in front of pits, and start/finish line. We had a great view of the drivers on their parade, and also were lucky enough to secure tickets to the circuit walk, and the pit walk to meet the drivers . These tickets were given out on a first come first served basis in the Beach Park, which also had offiicial Valencia GP merchandise, a mini karting, beer and food etc.Overall it was a great weekend, and am glad i requested ear plugs when ordering the tickets as they are a must.! I am glad to have spent the money on these tickets, and the area was very well accessable by the metro. We also had a big screen directly in front of us and we made P2 stand our home for the weekend, as we attended Fri/Sat and Sun for practice and qualifing along with the other races which were also on. There are security checks on entering and all tops are taken off your bottles, but that was no problem. Beer was quite expensive to buy at the circuit, but we stuck to the water as it was so warm.Again many thanks to the staff and support team of bookF1.com,for helping us enjoy a wonderful GP experience, with whom i hope to deal with again in the very near future.

We had an excellent experience in Valencia. I would recommend M1 as a good place to sit. Valencia circuit doesn't see much overtaking, so by sittng here you have a double corner, so you can see who is who, plus its one of the first bends from the start. The access gate for m1 is very close to the beach and bars/restaurants which was perfect. We stayed in a hotel called El Cosa which was a stones throw form the entrance. Ideal.
Be aware that the cost of drinks inside the circuit are extremely expensive. You are allowed to take drinks in ,but they will remove the lids. Handy tip - remove the lids before you go in and put them in your pocket, they will let you in then and you can put them back on :) You can take food in too, but they will check your bags through for security.
There was a big screen to see the race too which helps. You will absolutely need ears plugs! It is unbelievebly loud. Buy these at the local chemist as they are cheaper.
Take something in with you to cover your head, it is hotter than you can imagine when you are sat not moving for a couple of hours.
Read your info packs about walking the circuit on the days before the race. We did this and you get to actually stand on the starting line and see the cars and technicians working on the cars in the pits.
Hope this helps anyone who is struggling where to book.

Great weekend thought facilities where fine, would like to be able to choose seats from a seating plan when booking

Great Weekend, lots to do, bookF1 kept me notified of several activities going on which others missed. Hot - Brings lots of water, we race day had 1 person pass out in our section, and another kid did on the train going back to hotel. Can't walk around to different areas of track, limited to your area. No beer/alcohol in allowed in stands. No bottle caps on anything - seriously, they take them away. Keep them in your pocket or something, they will take them inside if they see them. Event merchandise is outside the ticketed area near the entrance points for each area, not with or near the team merchandise. Not all merchandise may have been at each stand - I saw 1 particular t-shirt on several people which wasn't at the stand for my area. Can walk lots of places if choose right hotels, trains and buses work well, obviously crowded race day. Its a great time, go! If you have read this far, you want to! Just do it,

This was my first F1 Race meeting and it won`t be my last, I Don`t know if i would go back to Valencia though, only due to the lack off over-taking on this circuit but it has given me a taste for it. Circuit is quit easy to find and is well sign posted, Remember ear plugs, hat and maybe a flag or something to cover your legs if need be, It can be a long day in all that sunshine and heat (30deg + ) when we were there. Spare bottle tops as they take them off you before you go in, *No Video Camera`s* they won`t let you take it in.

Firstly, this is a temporary street circuit so anybody expecting the same facilities as a purpose built circuit will be disappointed. Yes, you are unable to walk round the full facility, yes, the merchandise area was poor in relation to some other tracks and yes, the facilities are limited. Most of this however this can be weighed up by the close proximity of the beach/port area facilities, none of which were unbearably busy at any time over the entire race weekend.
Secondly, again being a street circuit with seating so close to the track, extra security is bound to be in attendance. Having to take bottle tops off may seem extreme but we have witnessed a bottle on track at Valencia before and I would imagine it is the FIA rather than the local stewards who have instructed this. As others have pointed out, there are ways around this by carrying spare lids - although security on race-day was even tighter with bags being checked at the stand-entrance too. Although, I couldn’t quite understand why some people were being forced to leave their video cameras behind (I was outraged enough when I had to leave my sunscreen at the main gate – in a tin aerosol rather than plastic bottle – I can’t imagine how I would have reacted to having to leave a £300 video camera in the care of security!).
There were very limited refreshment areas within but as I said, being so close to the bars and restaurants outside meant it was easy to pop in and out between sessions - I didn’t have to queue once to get in or out over the entire weekend. Pricing was as to be expected at any outdoor catering event but choices fairly limited so if you have particular food requirements/expectations, bring your own. The only thing I missed was being able to take a beer up to the stand – the upside of that being I didn’t have to experience the portaloos!
We were sitting in P5 right on the corner of 2 and 3 and saw the majority of what little action there was on track. OK, so compared to some of the other races this year, it wasn’t particularly exciting but compared to previous Valencia races it was much improved. The seating area provided by BookF1 was great, near the back of the stand so no viewing disruption from the fence and a big screen, the closest and clearest I’ve had at any circuit, right in front. It did take a lap or two to persuade the locals not to jump up every time the cars came round but once this was sorted out, you get visibility right from turn 1, and pit-exit, to turn 3. Personally, if I could, I would knock down the building at turn 3 as this would give visibility right round to turn 4 and 5 but hey, that’s street circuits for you!
Our free time after racing was spent at Beach Park. OK, it’s basically just a big beer garden/food court but it wasn’t too busy. It’s a great place to meet up with friends, and meet new friends, and we had the best time all 4 days in the Mojito Bar! The guys loved the karting track too.
I have seen other posts complaining about access and walking. We stayed in a hotel ½ way between the Port and Old Town. It took us 40 minutes to walk in everyday; we didn’t have any problems finding our gate from the instructions provided by BookF1. The walk from P5 to Beach Park/Malvarrosa Beach was about 10 minutes so perfectly do-able between and after sessions. Taxi’s were plentiful and cheap (8 euro back to our hotel) but we met plenty of people staying a bit out of town who found the public transport easy and cheap.
If you are considering going to Valencia you need to weigh up the pro’s and the con’s. I’ve been to some tracks where I’ve spent 2hrs commuting each morning and evening leaving little time or energy for fun. Of the 6 circuits I’ve been to, this was the best all round experience. It wasn’t the best race I’ve seen, but it also wasn’t the worst.
Thanks, as always, to BookF1 for their brilliant and reliable service. Just one suggestion, could you show the stand the person was in against their review as they don’t always mention it? I find your site the best for honest feedback regarding stand view/access and it’s frustrating when I read about a great or poor stand but I don’t know which one they are referring to!

To those who have asked, the bottle tops are removed as they are thought to be a safety hazard when trying to evacuate in a hurry. If they are dropped in the stands , they turn into rollers on their end, or just something to slip on.

I had only heard of this practice at valencia, but then found security doing the same bottle top removal at the O2 arena in London the day before.
cheers

we really enjoyed it and was glad you informed us about the pit walk tickets which we managed to get.

Fabulous city with the added bonus of hosting a GP. This is the third time I've been to Valencia GP and although the race is probably not one of the most exciting following on from the Canada race it had a lot to live up to. I love the circuit and as we stayed only 10 minutes walk away it was ideal. In previous years I've stayed in grandstands in Grao, this time we were sitting in the M7 grandstand the corner before the bridge and right opposite the beach which was great. The beach park with the amstel bar was close by and was a welcome relief from the sun especially on the saturday between 3rd practice and qualifying.
I'm a frequent visitor to GPs and must say Valencia is one of my favourites as the City itself is absolutely amazing with old town, new area along the original turia river bed and of course the port. Fab shops, bars and restaurants and very reasonably priced. Cant wait to go back next year.

like

Under-developed facility, very poor signage, scruffy, overpriced drinks, boring circuit. Otherwise perfect.

We are a group of seasoned FI race goers, having visited various circuits around the world over the past 12 years. We rate Valencia as a city highly; beautiful architecture, plenty of restaurants and bars and the added bonus of a beach right on the doorstrep. We stayed in an apartment near the main railway station, which gave us excellent access to the old city, restaurants and bars and to the circuit (15 mins). Taxis are plentyfull and we had no difficulty in hailing one even when we came out of the circuit on race day (although we did hang around at the track to let the main crowd disperse), so we didn't bother with the metro. Our main disappointment related to the circuit and race experience. We were seated in grandstand P5 as we could not stretch to the expense of the stands on the pit straight, and were sat opposite the exit to the pit lane. There was a huge screen opposite, which was great and lots of speakers so that we could hear the race commentary throughout. This meant that we did not need to get FanVision TV as we had anticipated (not that we saw any for hire) or use our binoculars. That was the upside... We saw little of the action once the race got going other than Jenson's move on Rossberg at the frst corner, which was great, but the race lacked the overtaking and excitement of those that had gone before, particulalry as tyres did not come into play. We were expecting a Monaco type race, but it didn't happen. We knew that space would be limited but the F1 village was very basic consisting of about 3 stands, with limited merchandise especially relating to to the Valencia circuit - I collect key rings of the circuits, but nothing doing, not even a hat. One of the big disappointments was the lack of a 'beer garden' type area where you could sit with a beer before and/or after the race. In truth, we are champagne girls but there was definitely no Mumm tent in sight! There was a small stand selling beer and water outside the grandstand, which was ok (if you don't already know the tops are taken off bottles of water as you enter the circuit or when you purchase one there. I don't know why - maybe to stop bottles being thrown?). However, I can complement the toilet facilities, which were of the portaloo type. Given the very hot weather they were kept clean and had toilet paper and water for handwashing throughout. Inevitably they did begin to smell by the end of race day. For the first time since visiting about a dozen different circuits, I saw cleaners about thier work and it has to be said the general cleanliness was very good and we've seen some pretty grim things in our time! So well done Valencia on that. It was very hot, well into the 30 degrees and of course the stands are uncovered, so make sure you slather on the factor 50, remember your hat, sunglasses and a 'cover all' top as you will get singed baking in the sun for an hour and a half. It wasn't too bad though as from time to time a cooling breeze came in from the sea. Overall we enjoyed our weekend, as we always do, but our verdict is that whilst Valencia itself is definitely worth a return visit, we will not be rushing back for the race.

Valencia is a great city,very friendly and lots to see and do.
The race was very poor and had it not been for a very good stand in which to watch the race the weekend would not have been so enjoyable.
P5 is a very good viewing stand with a very large screen straight in front.The downside to P5 is that it is a long walk to the beach area where most of the bars and restaurants are located. Security is quite strict on entrance to the circuit. My daughter had her bottle of sun cream thrown in the bin as it was in the wrong type of container.All bottles of water have the tops removed,dont know why,as water is a must in temperatures in the high 80s. One good point certainly at P5 stand is the toilet facilities. Although port a loos they are kept very clean and tidy during the whole weekend. Prices for food/drinks are quite high but certainly not a rip off. Very easy to get around the city and taxi prices are very reasonable.

Parking directions were virtually zero.Glad we arrived early as we ran around in circles for an hour before eventually finding own space outwith circuit.

Enjoyed the weekend as always, and especially the location by Valencia's beach, but the lack of any shade provision or food outlets (except one panini stall on the Sunday) and pathetice merchandise provision made it less of a fun experience all round. Admittedly food was available outside the circuit, but the hassle of going through security checks and queuing for exit and entry made this not an option. Being restricted to one small area of the circuit was not funny!

i was not happy about not been able to take drinks but to buy them inside at very prices a small bottel of coke and water and a burger 22euros other wise i was very happy i will be going again when i get some money as i am disable and have to make do i can not say what a very good services i got it was great and i thahk you very muchif i go again i would try to get parking a bit nearer to the disable stand again i thank you very much

Never been to a street circuit before, its very different.
no wandering around the circuit between stands on the friday.
no bottles with tops on, easy to get over as the security are not allowed to search your person.
very nice weather, usual differences in prices of drinks etc...but not too bad.
this particular circuit only had four merchandise stands, very poor!
bernie take note!
no lewis hamilton stuff at all, plenty of alonso....funny that!

great for the beach and easy to get to from the city.
toilets were in good shape which is rare!
seats in p5 were ideal as you get to see the squeeze at turn 2/3.
not much overtaking at this circuit, i would expect it to be replaced in the near future.
there was little or nothing in the city to tell you that there was a race happening!
weird, if it were any where else they would be shouting from the roof tops.

the city is nice and small, so easy to walk everywhere.

Great Stand, not the most exciting part of the track although I will go there again the same year. The access is right next the beach where it is easy to pop for feed and drinks in between sessions (food and drinks is very expensive inside the track) and it looks right out onto the coast and there is a huge screen in front of you where you can clearly see the whole race. Excellent atmosphere.

M1 is a great location, right on the beach next to loads of bars/restaurants. Circuit access is good once you know where you are going. Valencia is a lovely city, so there's lots to do in between practice sessions etc.

We had a fabulous time overall at the European Grand Prix in Valencia. We were unable to find any directions to the entrances on any of the event days until at the main entrance. This caused us an excessive amount of walking, which could have been prevented. At the circuit when walking to buy refreshments move from area to area or generally moving about there were screens along the fencing that meant you could not see anything anywhere other than from your designated seating. This screening is probably there to prevent any distraction to drivers. There were sections of blue and green tarpaulin type frabric that was completely opaque and prevented any watching. The sections where black mesh screening was used you could see the track and cars through it still without causing any distraction therefore for us the enjoyment was restricted and limited by the use of the blue and green screening.