A Guide to the British MotoGP at Silverstone
If you’re tempted by a weekend of live bike racing action, then the MotoGP at Silverstone is without a doubt the place to be. Here’s a quick guide to getting you to the track on time, and finding a prime spot to watch the racing!
Booking Tickets
Seated grandstand tickets sell out very fast for this event, but it’s possible to secure a “roving” ticket that lets you dip in and out of various spots around the track. You’ll be at the mercy of the crowds though, as your seat isn’t guaranteed like the single place tickets.
The cheapest tickets are “general admission” and they’re probably the best option for a first time spectator or budget minded fan. You’ll still be able to find plenty of fantastic places to watch the racing without having to worry that you’ll be stuck in one place or won’t find a seat. Just make sure you book tickets from a reputable vendor and not on the gate at the last minute.
Getting There
If you’re a biker, you’ll be pleased to hear that parking is free. Car drivers however, will pay a steep £25 fee. It’s often best to use a cheap (£2.50 a day) park and ride alternative though, as the roads around the track can be horrendously busy leading up to the gates opening.
Hotels and Camping
If you’re booking a ticket and you need a hotel as well, you’ll need to do it early. Silverstone books up quickly and most of the hotels sell out well before the race. Camping is great option if you’re stuck for somewhere to stay, and the Woodlands Camp Site opens on the Wednesday before race weekend.
Best Places to Watch
Silverstone is fairly well designed for the spectator. The main problem with the site is simply that it’s so large! It’s definitely possible to move around the track and watch from different positions though, and the Luffield and Becketts grandstands are arguably the best places to flit between. If you’d rather move around less and see as much of the track as possible from one position, then head to Maggotts or the Chapel Complex.
If your ticket doesn’t allow grandstand access, the banks near to Stow Corner are great vantage points, and Copse gives great views of the track as well.
A Weekend Packed with Entertainment
If you’ve booked your tickets or even one of the full MotoGP packages to Silverstone, you’ll doubtless be well aware of the “proper” racing schedule. If you’re at the track for the whole weekend though, there’s a large variety of other entertainment to keep you occupied:
Music fans can head to the main stage throughout the weekend to catch a whole host of bands, and “The Aerostars” perform a stunning aerobatic display to wow the crowds on the Sunday. If you’ve not had your fill of racing action, the “Day of the Champions” gives you an opportunity to get behind the scenes of the MotoGP organisation, and the Animal Action Sports Tour will get your heart racing with some crazy bike manoeuvres and jumps.
Book as Early as Possible!
So there you have it: The complete guide to the Silverstone MotoGP. If you want to witness this amazing spectacle for yourself, make sure you get booking as early as possible.
By Harry Price
Harry Price is an entrepreneur and personal trainer. He is a huge motorsports fan and plans a couple motoGP holidays each year.