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SPA FRANCOCHAMPS Grandprix - PLACES TO STAY

  • 25-04-2007 3:09pm
    #1
    hermit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 187 ✭✭


    Hey Everyone,

    Not really sure if its more appropriate to post this query here or somewhere in the travel forums, but sure I'll give it a go anyway.

    Myself and a buddy just booked tickets to SPA Francochamps grandprix in Belgium in September.

    If anyone has been to this grand prix before can you recommend anywhere to stay fairly near the circuit and if its better to fly to Charleroi or Brussels Airport.

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,487 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    I went a few times when I lived in Holland. Liège would be a reasonable place to stay, although it's a bit of a dump AFAIR. Another possibility would be Malmedy or Verviers, both small towns closer to the circuit. Also beware that you're on the cusp of the French, Dutch and German speaking parts of Belgium here so Liège can be alternatively signposted as Luik or Lüttich!

    As far as airports, it makes no difference. Motorway all the way to Liège from either one.

    Echo Ficus's remark about getting there early. The Belgian police are out in force and will direct you to wherever they want you to go to, rather than where you want to go, and Francorchamps being a big circuit, this can mean a long walk from wherever you park your car to the stands. The trick is to get out there before they do, about 6am IIRC!

    Oh yes, and don't forget your umbrella :)


  • #3
    Robbo
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,572 Mod ✭✭✭✭Robbo


    Alun wrote:
    Oh yes, and don't forget your umbrella :)
    Second that. I was there in 1997, it was a beautiful day until about 20 mins before the start when the heavens opened with the heaviest rain I'd ever seen. It stopped just before the start leaving a great race with wet then drying conditions.


  • #4
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,487 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    Yeah, the weather there is very unpredictable. The circuit sits in a bit of a hollow and has its own microclimate, so pay no heed to any weather forecasts and come prepared for every eventuality ... umbrella and sun-screen! I've even seen a situation there where it was raining at one end of the circuit and bright sunshine at the other.


  • #5
    trendkill
    Registered Users Posts: 254 ✭✭trendkill


    Where you going watching the race from?... plus Im dying to try out those new handheld TV thingies they've got going on now


  • #6
    hermit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 187 ✭✭hermit


    Cheers for all the info. guys.

    It'll be my first GP so really looking forward to it ... Sitting on Eau Rouge.


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  • #7
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,487 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    hermit wrote:
    It'll be my first GP so really looking forward to it ... Sitting on Eau Rouge.
    That's where most of the stands are, except the start/finish grandstand which is too expensive and sold out really early anyway.

    It looks much more impressive in real life than on the telly. Once, when I was in the area for something else I got a chance to drive Eau Rouge in my normal road car (think they might have closed it off now, but back then it was a normal road when they weren't racing). You wouldn't believe how steep it was. One race I went to, they had a bicycle race with all the drivers cycling round the circuit. All the drivers got off and walked when they hit the hill after the depression at Eau Rouge.


  • #8
    jamieh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,073 ✭✭✭jamieh


    hermit wrote:
    Cheers for all the info. guys.

    It'll be my first GP so really looking forward to it ... Sitting on Eau Rouge.

    Hey...I'm sitting there myself in September. I think its the gold grandstand or something like that :confused:

    Anyway....I'm staying in the Sheraton in Brussels? Is Brussels a long way from Spa. How long would it take to get there by car?


  • #9
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,487 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    jamieh wrote:
    Hey...I'm sitting there myself in September. I think its the gold grandstand or something like that :confused:

    Anyway....I'm staying in the Sheraton in Brussels? Is Brussels a long way from Spa. How long would it take to get there by car?
    About 125km from the centre of Brussels to Spa ... motorway most of the way, but it can and will get busy. Best prepare for an early start, and be aware that you may end up being forced to park a long way from the main stands area, so be prepared for a bit of a walk too.


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