F1 Canada - whos been?

[Rich]

Looking at heading over next year for the F1 with a group of friends. Has anyone been? recommendations for different grand stands for the F1 and places to stay as well as other attractions or things to do while we are there.

Cheers

[TJ]

Obviously have not been but from everything I have read hairpin leading on the back straight is a win - because S1 is so twisty between the walls there is poor vantage point.

Where Vettel ran off in 2011 and Jenson passed - god knows turn number off top of my head is also not bad.

[mischief1]

Richard, see if a friend from long ago still lives in Montreal, might be able to give you tips on stuff other than f1

[S_E]

I went in 2012, fantastic event. I did lots of research and ended up going with grandstand 11, 1/2nd corner facing back towards the start/finish line, I was in about the middle of the stand, in the top row and had a great view, however much further to the left and you wouldn't be able to see near as much, but further to the right and you'd be fine. The ticket websites don't tell you were in the stand the ones they pick out are, but I'm guessing it gets sold right to left, buy ASAP, I think I bought mine about this time of year and was good, but I want to wait past about March. Same goes with accommodation, it's expensive and books out quick, there wasn't much choice left for reasonable priced stuff when I booked (maybe about 4 months prior?) The place I ended up staying (Hotel L'Abri Du Voyageur) wasn't much of a step up above a hostel, but it did the job, and had a great location.

The metro system is awesome in Montreal, can get anywhere quick and easy, the people are lovely, everyone speaks English, great place. Crescent Street has tons of F1 related stuff going on, VIP parties and shit, but also driver and car appearances for the plebs like me. After the race there is the Piknik Electronic festival in the park right near the train station for the F1, I passed it on the way out and was like wtf...awesome! went back to the hotel, got changed and partied on...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/R31/IMG_4023_zps2c79e5e5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/R31/media/IMG_4023_zps2c79e5e5.jpg.html)

[TJ]

Really good view, and given its the second slowest corner on the track you would get a great view and sound of fast, decel, accel

[S_E]

Yep I was pretty happy, I could just see the cars as they turned into the final chicane, however I couldn't really see them as they exited turn 1/2 and went to the left of the stand and toward turn 3, I thing you would be able to from the bottom rows, partly at least, but you wouldn't be able to see the chicane.

[Rich]

cheers for the info guys. Ive decided to hit up the East Coast of the US while im over that way as Ive only ever been to the West Coast of the US. Going to Fly into Washington and spend a few days there. Will catch a NASCAR race and then fly to Montreal for about a week for the F1. Going to spend another week in Canada after the F1, probably head to Toronto and then fly to New York for a week. Going to be an awesome trip. If anyone wants to join me let me know ASAP. Will be booking F1 tickets and accomodation fairly soon. Im looking at one of the Trio packs for F1 tickets so you get a different seat on each day to mix it up a bit and see different parts of the track.