Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
By BMWF1Talk
February 3 2009
BMWF1Talk has already started organizing a concept we have had in our minds already for some time. Why not organizing a F1 fans meeting? And, isn't an F1 test a great opportunity to do so? At first this idea was focused mainly for the members of this site, and BMW Sauber fans, but we think that welcoming fans from any other team would be great as well.
Although we still need to finalize some arrangements and details, we would like you to start thinking if you would like to come and join us.
We are aiming to do this meeting at the Barcelona F1 tests, 9-12th March, which will be the last test sessions before the season starts, hence the most interesting tests, with the cars featuring the first GPs spec. All the 10 teams will attend.
Also the fact that the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona is very well located and connected, and has lot of things to offer to its visitors, as well as the fact that Montmeló Circuit facilities are among the best, makes this a unique opportunity. The fact that tests are far cheaper than GP tickets, and despite not being that exciting provides a closer approach to F1.
Normal pass costs just 5€/day, although we are aiming to rent a hospitality (depending on the interest and number of persons, we would chose between the different hospitality options), that although not that cheap, certainly provides a much better enjoyment. We intend to rent it for just 1 day, but if enough people are interested, we would be keen on extending it.
We will give you an update of the arrangements, and further details (and positive surprises) by the 18th of February.
For now we would appreciate if you email us to admin@bmwf1talk.com or post in the thread at the lower part of this webpage (You don't need to register), as this will enable us to know the number of people willing to join, making planning easier.
Looking forward to meet you in Barcelona!
Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: BMW Sauber F1 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2009 16:11
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:03:10:13:37:48 by J-Raid.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:03:10:13:37:48 by J-Raid.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Gemm (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2009 16:27
I am interested. Please count me in.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Raid Phoenix (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2009 16:33
I'm interested too!
Racing against the machine!
Racing against the machine!
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: bmwkrak (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2009 17:44
I would love to do this. I have been wanting to see Barcelona for quite some time. That would have been great with the company of fellow BMW fans & F1 enthusiasts 
But, I am a bit too far away here in US 
But, I am a bit too far away here in US Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Athen Hunt (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2009 20:09
the same over here. the distance is the main problem. 8412.6km is too long.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: devil500 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/02/2009 23:05
Quote:bmwkrak
I would love to do this. I have been wanting to see Barcelona for quite some time. That would have been great with the company of fellow BMW fans & F1 enthusiasts
Same ship as you..
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Bouncing Bullet (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2009 09:07
I would need to skip some lessons on monday,tuesday and Wednesday, hmm, tempting. Don't think my parents would like that though.
141€ for a flight to barcelona and back. Tempting indeed.
141€ for a flight to barcelona and back. Tempting indeed.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Raid Phoenix (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2009 12:10
Well, in theory one day would be enough (probably I would attend just 1 day).
The best would be having the track meeting on the 9th, as its Monday, and would allow people to go to Barcelona on the weekend, have a nice visit to the city and then on Monday to the track, and then go back home (or not if you prefer), so that you lose the minimum number of labour days (as little as just 1, which isn't difficult to do, is it?
)
Also, we may manage getting paddock/pits passes for this test session, which normally in a GP could cost you as much as 3.000€ (the cheaper in a GP being no less than 300€ and without including the grandstand ticket!)
@Bouncing Bullet, I bet you can get even cheaper tickets, try Ryan Air and that stuff
Racing against the machine!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:04:12:27:25 by J-Raid.
The best would be having the track meeting on the 9th, as its Monday, and would allow people to go to Barcelona on the weekend, have a nice visit to the city and then on Monday to the track, and then go back home (or not if you prefer), so that you lose the minimum number of labour days (as little as just 1, which isn't difficult to do, is it?
)
Also, we may manage getting paddock/pits passes for this test session, which normally in a GP could cost you as much as 3.000€ (the cheaper in a GP being no less than 300€ and without including the grandstand ticket!)
@Bouncing Bullet, I bet you can get even cheaper tickets, try Ryan Air and that stuff
Racing against the machine!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:04:12:27:25 by J-Raid.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: sessions (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2009 15:38
It would be great to be involved, but I'd also fall into the other North American fans who have concluded the trip is too much because location. Although it doesn't relieve me of being green with envy for the lucky ones who can attend. All of you enjoy and savour the moment.
Jraid, did you ever look into my post question ?
"Is it possible for us to witness crash tests as a group ?"
sessions
Jraid, did you ever look into my post question ?
"Is it possible for us to witness crash tests as a group ?"
sessions
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Raid Phoenix (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2009 15:44
I looked at it, and answered it. Search the thread, and you'll see it
BTW, americans, even if you can't come to that event, you could organize something in USA or Canada (not a GP this year obviously), but something else, if not F1 related.
Racing against the machine!
BTW, americans, even if you can't come to that event, you could organize something in USA or Canada (not a GP this year obviously), but something else, if not F1 related.
Racing against the machine!
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: barteks (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2009 16:24
Jaime is right. I just checked Ryan Air flights from Brussels and you can buy a return ticket to Girona for just 50 euro
2008 Prediction Champion
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:04:16:31:58 by barteks.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:04:16:31:58 by barteks.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: sessions (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2009 01:03
Jamie , What thread ? Is this a guessing game or a test ?
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Raid Phoenix (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2009 10:43
No, not a guess game, just that I didn't have time to seacrh it.
Here it is: http://www.f1network.net/boards/read/s491.htm?936,10036023,10045706#msg-10045706
Racing against the machine!
Here it is: http://www.f1network.net/boards/read/s491.htm?936,10036023,10045706#msg-10045706
Racing against the machine!
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Zagloba (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2009 12:51
One problem about 17000km:-( but interesting concept 
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: sessions (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2009 15:58
J-Raid,
Sorry I missed it, thank you for your effort. I usually catch every post, but that one must have slipped by. Your most likely right on the waiting time for so little. The teams probably feel the same way. A lot of messing around to get a check mark of approval. Must be the pits for them if it fails.
But safety after all is ultra important.
Thanks again, sessions
Sorry I missed it, thank you for your effort. I usually catch every post, but that one must have slipped by. Your most likely right on the waiting time for so little. The teams probably feel the same way. A lot of messing around to get a check mark of approval. Must be the pits for them if it fails.
But safety after all is ultra important.
Thanks again, sessions
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Raid Phoenix (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2009 18:20
I would recommend you to rather try EuroNCap car tests. They are more spectacular, and probably easier to get to see them live. Just do some networking and search for the right people, and you may have the luck to see them
Racing against the machine!
Racing against the machine!
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: BMWF1Guy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/02/2009 17:51
Terrific idea and wish I could go but the commute from Canada is a bit far for me.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Mexi (IP Logged)
Date: 11/02/2009 13:57
I'm interested
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Leandra (IP Logged)
Date: 15/02/2009 13:41
Hey everyone, I would definitely be interested! I have been checking the Catalunya website regularly and considering it, but would be great if we could have a big group of us together. I think we should "treat" ourselves and book in for hospitality as if theres any chance to wander around the paddock and get photos it would be well worth the cost.
If there is anyone going who would be flying from london, please let me know
If there is anyone going who would be flying from london, please let me know
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Raid Phoenix (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2009 11:46
@#$%&! They copied my idea! 
Too bad platinum membership costs 999€ a year...
Anyway, our plans for our meeting will go ahead. More details soon
Racing against the machine!
Too bad platinum membership costs 999€ a year...
Anyway, our plans for our meeting will go ahead. More details soon
Racing against the machine!
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Bouncing Bullet (IP Logged)
Date: 17/02/2009 16:31
I won't be coming, got a no go from my parents. 2 weekends in a row away from home is too much..
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: BMWF1Talk (IP Logged)
Date: 21/02/2009 20:44
More news (updates on the event) to come tomorrow and monday. Stay tuned!
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: BMWF1Talk (IP Logged)
Date: 23/02/2009 19:46
IMPORTANT: We are finalizing the details. They (final prices and specific schedule) should be up here by tomorrow or Wednesday.
But I'll update you of the state of things so far, so you can arrange your trip now, or as soon as possible.
Prices: expect the "hospitality pack" to be around 40€, although we may bring that cost down. Remember we will not be taking any comission, so it will be about the cheapest you could get. The normal ticket costs 5€, in case you prefer that option, although it doesn't include paddock pass and that stuff.
What it would include?: the "hospitality pack" includes all-day hospitality room (above the pits) rental, some catering, VIP parking and paddock pass.
What else?: We may manage to arrange some sort of meeting with key BMW Sauber members,including the Driver testing on that day, in the paddock. More info to follow soon.
Which days?: although initially we had planned to attend the tests on Monday, you are free to attend the day you prefer, Monday-Thursday, although teams may extend testing till Friday.
We are currently on final talks with a leading Asturian (Alonso's homeland) Fanclub & Travel agency which has planned to be on citcuit all testing days, renting an hospitality. On Monday we would be sharing the hospitality with them in case we don't get enough people for one just for us. If you want to join them on another day, please let us know here, or via Private Message or email (to admin@bmwf1talk.com ) and we will put you in contact with them.
Please contact us on any of the ways previously mentioned, to make a list of the number of attendants, and act accordingly (we may even have to book a bigger hospitality if your demand is high).
Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:23:19:59:43 by BMWF1Talk.
But I'll update you of the state of things so far, so you can arrange your trip now, or as soon as possible.
Prices: expect the "hospitality pack" to be around 40€, although we may bring that cost down. Remember we will not be taking any comission, so it will be about the cheapest you could get. The normal ticket costs 5€, in case you prefer that option, although it doesn't include paddock pass and that stuff.
What it would include?: the "hospitality pack" includes all-day hospitality room (above the pits) rental, some catering, VIP parking and paddock pass.
What else?: We may manage to arrange some sort of meeting with key BMW Sauber members,including the Driver testing on that day, in the paddock. More info to follow soon.
Which days?: although initially we had planned to attend the tests on Monday, you are free to attend the day you prefer, Monday-Thursday, although teams may extend testing till Friday.
We are currently on final talks with a leading Asturian (Alonso's homeland) Fanclub & Travel agency which has planned to be on citcuit all testing days, renting an hospitality. On Monday we would be sharing the hospitality with them in case we don't get enough people for one just for us. If you want to join them on another day, please let us know here, or via Private Message or email (to admin@bmwf1talk.com ) and we will put you in contact with them.
Please contact us on any of the ways previously mentioned, to make a list of the number of attendants, and act accordingly (we may even have to book a bigger hospitality if your demand is high).
Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:23:19:59:43 by BMWF1Talk.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: BMWF1Talk (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2009 15:48
I have some good and bad news. The bad ones is that, given some circunstances, the prices will be higher than expected. The good ones is that also the services will be better.
The hospitality will be rent for all the week of test (9 to 12th)
More details of the hospitality:
-Hospitality room just above the pits, with fridge, TV's, some catering, etc. Capacity for 60 persons.
-Access to grandstands only open for hospitality renters
-Paddock pass
-Pit lane "tour"
-Lunch at the circuit restaurant
The full pack will cost 125€ if I'm not mistaken, although we are looking for partial and cheaper options as well. That price may go down as well if we get a good (big) enough group.
To get more details, email the organiizing travel agency at: pedidos@viajesf1.com
If you are interested, or your know someone who would be, please contact us or promote it. Many thanks!
*If its too expensive for you, you can still join us, with a normal grandstand ticket. Also, we are trying to bring some sort of "partial pack" with less services, but also cheaper. WIll let you know very soon.
Other updates: Nick Heidfeld fanclub will be coming too to the tests (on Monday and Tuesday), and there are several fans from other teams willing to come as well.
So we hope we can all meet together there.
We hope that we will learn a lot from this event, and in the future we will come up with further better events.
The hospitality will be rent for all the week of test (9 to 12th)
More details of the hospitality:
-Hospitality room just above the pits, with fridge, TV's, some catering, etc. Capacity for 60 persons.
-Access to grandstands only open for hospitality renters
-Paddock pass
-Pit lane "tour"
-Lunch at the circuit restaurant
The full pack will cost 125€ if I'm not mistaken, although we are looking for partial and cheaper options as well. That price may go down as well if we get a good (big) enough group.
To get more details, email the organiizing travel agency at: pedidos@viajesf1.com
If you are interested, or your know someone who would be, please contact us or promote it. Many thanks!
*If its too expensive for you, you can still join us, with a normal grandstand ticket. Also, we are trying to bring some sort of "partial pack" with less services, but also cheaper. WIll let you know very soon.
Other updates: Nick Heidfeld fanclub will be coming too to the tests (on Monday and Tuesday), and there are several fans from other teams willing to come as well.
So we hope we can all meet together there.
We hope that we will learn a lot from this event, and in the future we will come up with further better events.
Re: Join F1 fans meeting in a test session
Posted by: Leandra (IP Logged)
Date: 04/03/2009 13:17
So are there any fans on here who would like to meet up either on the Tuesday/Wednesday? I am waiting a response from pedidos@viajesf1.com about booking hospitality so if anybody wants to join me let me know..or if you have other ideas for the meet up? Thanks