Traffic problems @ British GP threaten 2002 race

[francis]

I've been to the British GP at Silverstone for the last 10 years and this year the traffice was generally the best ever - though I suppose practice makes perfect.

I went Fri, Sat and Sunday. IO live near reading but stayed Frio and Sat nights with a friend 10 miles from Silverstone.

Fri. Left Reading 07.30. Fine till 6 miles from circuit. Big smash on A43 near Towcester closed A43. One hour into track. arrived 09.55. Left 18.30 - at friends 19.05.

Sat left friends 06.50. At track (Silverstone Racing Club having fry-up 07.25) Departed track 18.00. At friends 18.30 (never done it better!)

Sun left frineds 06.55. At track (again for fry-up 07.30). Legged after race(saw cars entering parc ferme, heard anthems as we were 3/4 way to car) stop 3 times (only) between car park and A43 (then my own special back roads) - home near reading 16.15.

Other friends left at 16.30 (35 mins out of car park) back in Loughton, Essex, 19.50.

17.35 (ex Paddock Club) to hotel in Warwick then to Reading 21.20.

So what's the fuss.

I went to Monza 2 years ago. Apart from being really expensive £180 each (only practice, F355 Challenge and F1 race - that's what it cost me for three days at Silverstone including pit lane walkabout), 1 day, variante uno (1st chicane) **** catering, minimal loos - I reckon 4 portable loos for 8000 people in our section - I used the bushes! , lethal uncontrolled crush trying to go through track underpass (unsuccessfully - it was too dangerous), rugger scrum to get onto bus to take us to off-course parking (£7). Unforgettable experience - but Bernie - give us a rest - Silverstone is the height of luxury in comparison.

Francis

[Minardi fan]

I agree - the facilities at Silverstone are FAR FAR superior to those at Spa or the A1-Ring, the other GP's I have been to.

Suzy, the pictures will be uploaded to my site on Monday.

[Stephen Green]

May I make a suggestion here? As you have read, Octagon are under attack from the FIA over traffic measures. Why don't those of us who had a good journey home write to Rob Bain at Octagon to let them know. They may be able to use it as ammunition in their arguement with the FIA...Just a thought!