The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal: Recognizing the Perfect Fan in 10 Easy Steps
Diehard Formula 1 fans know how to make the most of their Canadian Grand Prix experience (at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve from June 6 to 9, 2013). Does this sound like you?
The perfect fan gets up at the crack of dawn
Perfect fans get up at the crack of dawn to be first in line when the gates open. Especially those with general admission tickets – that way, they have their pick of the prime locations.
The perfect fan knows that it’s all about the shoes
Perfect fans know they’re going to walk an awful lot. Not only is Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve 4.4 km in circumference, but 2.2 km separate the metro station from the furthest stands. Thus, perfect fans wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
The perfect fans know where to go
Perfect fans who have purchased general admission tickets* (read: the least expensive tickets) know that they don’t have access to the stands. However, they also know that they can still manage to get a good view of the race – and even the giant screens – in the following areas:
- in the hairpin turn (at the north end of the circuit);
- at turn number 6 (very close to the Canada Pavilion and grandstand 33).
The perfect fan knows how to set up
Perfect fans in general admission remember to bring folding chairs. But because some of the terrain is sloping and balance could be tricky for the chair, they also bring along a blanket.
Perfect fans who are lucky enough to have a spot in the stands remember to bring a cushion or a seat without legs but with a seatback.
The perfect fan knows how to travel
Perfect fans don’t even consider going to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve by car; they know there’s no public parking. They also know that after the race on Sunday, all road access is closed for nearly two hours while the tens of thousands of spectators leave on foot.
If they live nearby (or park downtown), perfect fans ride their bicycles to St. Helen’s Island, where they lock them to the bike racks. From there, they walk to the Pont de la Concorde (Concordia Bridge) or the Pont du Cosmos (Cosmos Bridge) to get to Île Notre-Dame.
The perfect fan takes the metro
Don’t own a bicycle or aren’t in good enough shape to ride? Perfect fans take the metro ( to Jean-Drapeau station), which brings them to the north end of the circuit. From there, they can cross the Pont du Cosmos (Cosmos Bridge).
Perfect fans have the foresight to buy their return metro tickets in advance to avoid the long lines at the ticketing machines when they come back.
The perfect fan is well equipped
Perfect fans bring everything they’ll need throughout the day:
- A portable radio so that, once there, they can tune in to FM and follow the commentators’ live description of all the action
- Binoculars and camera
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat or cap to protect themselves from the sun’s powerful rays
- But since the weather can change quickly, they also bring along a raincoat and umbrella
- Maybe some earplugs, but a true F1 fan won’t want to miss a single note of the race car concerto
The perfect fan knows what is not allowed at the Grand Prix
Perfect fans know that at the Canadian Grand Prix, there are tons of booths that sell food and beverages. But if you’re the type that prefers to bring your own snacks and drinks, keep in mind that glass containers are not permitted on the Grand Prix site.
Perfect fans know that although coolers are allowed, they must be small enough to fit under the seats so as not to obstruct traffic in the stands.
The perfect fan watches all the races
Perfect fans know that after the F1 qualifying that takes place on Friday and Saturday, many other qualifying sessions and preliminary races are presented on the two days preceding the big race, notably the Ferrari Challenge and the Porsche Cup Challenge. They attend all the races – after all, you’re either a racing fan or you’re not, right?
The perfect fan attends Open House Day
Perfect fans are such diehards that they even show up for “Open House Day” on Thursday, June 6 (from 9 to noon). Last year, the event was cancelled due to the student protests, but this year, perfect fans won’t miss out on the opportunity to get close to the pits and crews. And in any case, why would they pass up the chance to see the cars, mechanics and – who knows – maybe even a few drivers, up close and personal. Plus, the event is free.
*General admission for all three days is $126, a savings of 40% compared to the daily general admission prices ($45.25 for Friday, $70.50 for Saturday and $95.75 for Sunday).