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Can you give me some tips for choosing tickets?

THE PROBLEM

So, you know you want to buy some tickets for a motorsport event, maybe for you or maybe as a gift for somebody else. But how do you know what you're looking for? Don't panic, as we've devised some straightforward tips on the main considerations before purchasing tickets.

CIRCUIT

Thankfully, this is normally the easiest choice. If you're just planning to go to your native motorsport event, then the decision is already made. However, if you're planning to go on a trip abroad, often you'll have an idea of where you want to go. If you're completely open to choice then try checking out the 'Reviews' section on each race's shop area, which has ratings and reviews from the best critics - the fans.

If you still can't decide which race you'd like to attend then take into consideration other aspects of your trip such as flights, accommodation, the weather, and other attractions and activities if you're planning to stay longer.

VIEWING AREA

So you know where you're going but the list of tickets available is longer than your arm. Which one is best for you?

The first main decision you want to consider is whether you want general admission or grandstand entry. General admission is an open area without reserved seating positions and viewing is generally either standing or sitting on banked ground. In most cases you can wander around most of the track and watch the race from different locations (varies between circuits). These are the cheapest entry tickets to the event but the obvious disadvantage is that you don't have a reserved position and so quality of view is not as reliable. But don't think of it as bad, they're usually right near the track and many people have a fantastic experience in general admission, preferring it to grandstand viewing.

The grandstands are more expensive but tend to benefit from better views and usually reserved seating. In nearly all events, a grandstand ticket includes circuit admission (if this is not the case it will be clearly stated in the ticket information on the ticket page). Different grandstands come in a whole range of prices depending on the view and the features of the stand itself. Think about whether you'd like to be seated on a bend (more time to see the racers and potentially more action) or a straight (higher speeds), and being on the start/finish line and pits generally comes at a higher price. Some circuits offer tiered tickets within each stand e.g. low/middle/high. In general, higher seating has the benefit of more panoramic views but is further away from the track, whilst lower seating is nearer to the track and action but can be more prone to some obstruction from safety fencing.

Also check the ticket profile page, which indicates whether the grandstand has a weather cover and a view of a large TV screen to see the action elsewhere on the track. Please be aware that grandstand covers are not a guarantee of weather protection and TV screens can be subject to change or sometimes difficult to follow, but nonetheless the icon features can act as a useful guide.

If you're looking for the full works, we also offer hospitality options. These vary at each facility but generally include food and/or drinks in special hospitality areas. You can view hospitality-only tickets using the filters on the ticketing page and click the profile to get specific information on what each package includes.

If you're struggling to narrow your options, then price is often a useful factor. Plan your budget for the weekend and decide what you think you are able to spend on the entry tickets and go from there. The filter options on the ticketing page allow you to specify a price range, so you can easily narrow down your options.

ENTRY PERIOD

Motorsport events usually take place from the Thursday/Friday to the Sunday. The main race is always held on the Sunday, with practice and qualification taking place on previous days. However, other support activities are also going on for the whole weekend and an itinerary of events will be included with your tickets.

The duration of the tickets varies between each circuit; some sell one-day tickets, others only full weekend tickets. If you check the ticketing page then you will see a list of all ticket entry periods available and choose the one that best suits your needs. Unfortunately, some circuits do require visitors to buy a full weekend ticket even if they only wish to attend on one day.

CHILDREN

Children are welcome at any motorsport event and some circuits even offer special rates for children. Because this is at the discretion of the circuit, check the extra information at the bottom of our ticket list, which will tell you whether child tickets are available. If available, use the filter options to display child tickets.

Please note: motorsport events can be very loud and chaotic so they are not recommended for very young children.

TICKET FILTERS

To help make your ticket selection easier, we have a filter feature at the top of each ticketing page. You can select a range of options to only display tickets that meet your requirements in terms of entry period, price, age, category, and review score. It's a great way to cut out the tickets you're not interested in, so you can focus on the ones that you are.

TRAVEL & PARKING

It's important to plan how you're travelling to the circuit in advance. Check the 'Race Weekend Travel & Parking' section under each event for specific information on the options available. If you do plan to drive then we offer parking passes and shuttle tickets, where available, under the same section.

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