Formula One
Formula One racing is one of the most popular spectator sports in the world. Its global reach allows people from all over the world to attend its races. Formula One currently visits nineteen countries over five continents.
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Destinations [edit]
The locations of Formula One racing remain fairly static throughout the year, with only the dates of the races subject to year on year changes. Over the past few years, the number of different countries hosting a Grand Prix has increased, especially in Asia. Since 2008, circuits in Valencia, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, South Korea, India and the United States have been added to the calendar, with a Russian Grand Prix and a second race in the United States expected in 2014. Because of the increase in the number of races, the German and Spanish Grands Prix rotate yearly between two different circuits. Races in France and Turkey have recently been discontinued. The following countries are represented on the 2013 calendar:
Asia [edit]
Bahrain [edit]
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir became the first circuit in the Middle East to host a Formula One race, doing so in 2004. The race has been held in March/April for the entirety of its run. The 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix was held from 19-21 April 2013.
Due to civil unrest in Bahrain, the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled. Although the race returned in 2012, there has been heightened security due to the chance of anti-government protests. This situation continued for the 2013 race.
China [edit]
The Chinese Grand Prix has been held at the Shanghai International Circuit since 2004. Since 2009, the race has been held in April, typically as the third round of the Formula One season. The 2013 edition was held from 12-14 April 2013.
As of 2011, the circuit is now accessible by Metro on line 11.
Good vantage points are the hairpin which always has overtaking action and the main grandstand, from which one can view 80% of the circuit.
General admission is very cheap by comparison, but without any video screens.
India [edit]
India first hosted its inaugural Formula One race in 2011 at The Buddh International Circuit. The track is located in Uttar Pradesh, and has a capacity of 100,000 people. The 2013 Indian Grand Prix will be held from 25-27 October 2013.
Japan [edit]
The Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture hosts the Japanese Grand Prix, and has done since 1987 with the exception of 2007 and 2008 (held at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The 2013 Grand Prix will be held from 11-13 October 2013.
Malaysia [edit]
The Malaysian Grand Prix is held at the Sepang International Circuit, about 60km south of Kuala Lumpur and near Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The country hosted its first Formula One race in 1999, and since 2001 has been held in March, typically as the second round of the season.
Heavy rain is a possibility after the race start time was pushed back into the afternoon in 2009. Such rain has affected the 2009, 2012 and 2013 races, with 2009 edition cut short due to a torrential downpour.
Singapore [edit]
The Singapore Grand Prix is held in the streets of Marina Bay at the eponymous Marina Bay Street Circuit. It circuit first held the race in 2008, and is the only night race on the Formula One calendar. It will next host Formula One from 20-22 September 2013.
South Korea [edit]
The Korean Grand Prix is held at the Korea International Circuit near Mokpo. The 2013 Korean Grand Prix is set to take place from 4-6 October 2013.
United Arab Emirates [edit]
Formula One visits the United Arab Emirates as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It is held at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island near the city of Abu Dhabi. The race is unique in starting in daylight and finishing after dusk.
Europe [edit]
Belgium [edit]
The Belgian Grand Prix, and the circuit it races on, the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps in the Wallonia region, is one the most historic circuits on the modern Formula One calendar. The circuit is perhaps the most famous for its Eau Rouge corner which generates 4g in an F1 car. The circuit has a large elevation change. The circuit is notorious for its changeable weather conditions; be prepared for anything. The 2013 Belgian Grand Prix will be held from 23-25 August 2013.
Germany [edit]
A perennial fixture on the Formula One calendar, the German Grand Prix is held on two different historic circuits.
In odd numbered years, the Nürburgring hosts the German Grand Prix. For petrol heads the old 14-mile Nordschleife or north circuit that was used up until the 1970s (otherwise known as the Green Hell) is a public one way toll road with over 100 corners. The 2013 race will be held from 5-7 July 2013.
In even numbered years, the Hockenheimring in Hockenheim, Baden-Württemberg is the home of the German Grand Prix.
Hungary [edit]
The Hungarian Grand Prix is held every summer at the Hungaroring circuit in the town of Mogyoród, and was Formula One's first foray behind the Iron Curtain in 1986. The Hungaroring is located in a valley, meaning a majority of the circuit can seen from almost any viewing area.
Rain is extremely unlikely; in its twenty year history, the Grand Prix has seen only one rain affected race.
Italy [edit]
The Italian Grand Prix is one of the classic events on the Formula One calendar, having been run for over six decades. The race is run on the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Monza, just north of Milan, in September.
Monza during the grand prix weekend is connected with several special trains from Milan. In this period cars are not allowed to enter in the city (except for inhabitants), and have to be left in special parking areas connected with the circuit by free shuttle. The special train stops at Biassono-Lesmo station.
The circuit is inside a huge enclosed park, the Parco di Monza, which is also a natural reserve, so please avoid causing damages inside it. Every year there are many of complaints because of pickpoketing and illegal tickets selling in crowded areas near the circuit's gates, so pay attention to that.
There's no way to see the whole track from a single point, so you'd better find a place near to one of the many large screen. Monza circuit is open to public during non-race days and you can also get on the track with your car, so many motorsports fans gather on those days to test their cars or motorcycles.
Monaco [edit]
Held on the streets Monte CarloThe Monaco Grand Prix is called the jewel in the F1 crown. It provides a great opportunity for fans to get close to the action at a reasonable price.
There is a large general admission area called Sector Rocher from which you can see about half of the track, and the large screen on the other side of the harbor; as there is no reserved seating, places fill up early. Unlike at other circuits, the Formula One racing takes place on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
After the cars have finished racing, it is possible to walk around the circuit.
Spain [edit]
The Spanish Grand Prix is held at the Circuit de Catalunya, about one hour from Barcelona by train. The 2013 Spanish Grand Prix will be held from 10-12 May 2013.
Spain was also home to the European Grand Prix from 2008 to 2012 at the Valencia Street Circuit in the city of Valencia.
From 2013, the Spanish Grand Prix will alternate yearly between the Circuit de Catalunya and the Valencia Street Circuit. The Circuit de Catalunya will host the race in 2013 and subsequent odd-numbered years, with the Valencia Street Circuit hosting in 2014 and subsequent even-numbered years.
United Kingdom [edit]
The British Grand Prix is a mainstay on the Formula One calendar, and the Silverstone track has been holding Formula One races since 1950. Located about an hour and a half north-west of London, in the English county of Northamptonshire, Silverstone has been raced on by many of the greatest drivers. The British Grand Prix typically marks the half way point of the Formula One season, and is normally held in July. For 2013, the race will be held from 28-30 June 2013.
North America [edit]
Canada [edit]
The Canadian Grand Prix takes place at Circuit-Gilles Villeneuve. It is normally one of the most incident-packed races of the Formula One calendar. This circuit is at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Notre-Dame island right across downtown Montreal. The island is connected by a metro line and taking the metro is defenitely the way to go. The 2013 Canadian Grand Prix will be held from 7-9 June 2013.
United States [edit]
Formula One returned to the United States in 2012 at The Circuit of the Americas, located near Austin, Texas. The 2013 United States Grand Prix will be held from 15-17 November 2013.
Oceania [edit]
Australia [edit]
The Australian Grand Prix takes place at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, which is normally a public park the rest of the year.
The track is a short tram ride from Flinders Street Station which is free for GP ticket holders.
General entry is good value with the most popular spot being Brocky's Hill, located at the back part of the circuit. Remember to take a picnic rug or foldable chair if you sit here.
With the introduction of DRS (Drag Reduction Systems) to F1 cars in 2011, the first corner has produced many more overtaking opportunities, though to sit here requires the more expensive grand stand tickets.
After the race you are also allowed to walk around the circuit.
South America [edit]
Brazil [edit]
The Interlagos circuit in São Paulo is one of only a handful of circuits in F1 that are run anticlockwise. Since 2004, it has been held late in the year, in October/November. The 2013 race will be the final race of the 2013 Formula One season, and is set to be held from 22-24 November.
Get in [edit]
There are generally two types of tickets offered: Grandstand and general admission. The grandstand tickets usually come in varying grades, the more expensive the ticket the better seats you will have. The main advantage of being in the grandstand is that you will be able to see more of the track. General admission on the other hand gets you through the gates and that's it. However there are many spots on many of the tracks where you can get a good view of the race outside of the grandstands.
You will probably not be surprised to learn that there is a lot of traffic around the track on race day so leave early on that day. Some circuits offer a shuttle service where you park some distance away from the track and you are brought in by bus. This can be a good idea if you want to avoid being stuck in traffic for hours.
Sleep [edit]
Hotels near many of the races can sell out up to a year in advance, so if you are intending on doing this book early. An option that is offered at a few races, especially the European ones at places outside of major cities like Silverstone, is to camp near the track. You will probably need to book a camping ticket to take advantage of this and these too usually sell out so book early if you want to take this option.
Stay safe [edit]
Despite all of the 'motorsport is dangerous' notices you will see Formula One has quite a good spectator safety record. However, no matter how safe a restricted part of the track may seem you should not venture onto these areas as they could be quite dangerous. There have only been 6 spectator fatalities at Formula One races since 1963 and these were due to the spectators in question being on a restricted part of the track.
Formula One cars are ear damagingly loud, so earplugs are highly recommended especially for young children. These will probably be available at the track. If you are intending on taking a radio to listen to the on-track commentary you could use a pair on in-ear monitors like the ones shown below as these will double as earplugs.
