F1 in Montreal. Best seats to watch the race?
01-28-2010, 05:35 PM
#46
Still plays with cars.
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Where the heck did you pick up that fable? Tipping in Montreal and the rest of Canada is like the USA. If you are a large group, usually 8 or more, some restaurants will automatically add 15 percent shown as 'Service'. Those that do will have a note on the menu to that effect.
02-02-2010, 12:29 PM
#48
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll be in stand 24 section 6 or 5.
The added benefit of the eastern hairpin section (21,15,24) is access to bathrooms with actual plumbing. I will let you figure out where they are (it's fairly obvious once you get to the area). If not PM me and I will let you know.
Also that area is the closest to the paddocks of the support races. You can see up close all the cars/participants, have a chat with the teams, possibly meet people you know.
The best way to get to the track for me, especially to the eastern hairpin section, is the metro. Those stands are the closest to the station. The only issue is leaving after the race. The line-up is gigantic but there is a trick. Cuts the time from 1 hour to 10 minutes. PM me if interested.
I tried grandstand 12 a few years ago. I liked the view but hated the walk there. Especially with other people crowding the way. Cows are better at walking in a herd than humans. Add a couple narrow spots and not only the walk is long but it's slow.
Do try to see the support races, they are a lot of fun. You can see some young talent in the development formulas (some guys eventually make it big, you can brag about seeing them at the beginning of their career), and of course, Ferrari Challenge. Take NASCAR sized cars and a bunch of drivers who would not qualify for a dirt short track race. Some drivers are competent but in general its fun to watch and think "I could probably do better". Walls close to the track make for very busy body shops after those races. And last time there were GT3 Cup cars, as well. Kind similar to the Ferrari stuff but with Porsches, tres cool.
Don't sweat the language stuff. Especially during the F1 weekend you will receive service in English just fine. Well, downtown and in the western part of town you will always get served in English just fine. And if you are not getting served in English then just don't bother with that place. Go to a place that does want your tourist dollars.
Your hotel location is fairly good for access to the party downtown during the weekend. Just walk uphill on Peel street and you'll be pretty much in the thick of it. On St. Catherine street either go left to Crescent street or right to McGill College Street. Both will be closed for concerts/shows whatever else. If you want a more authentic Montreal experience not geared as much to American tourists you can go to St Laurent or even better St-Denis streets. Old Montreal is good to visit, as well.
I can't guarantee you that the race will be good but I can guarantee you that you will have fun. I know I will.
The added benefit of the eastern hairpin section (21,15,24) is access to bathrooms with actual plumbing. I will let you figure out where they are (it's fairly obvious once you get to the area). If not PM me and I will let you know.
Also that area is the closest to the paddocks of the support races. You can see up close all the cars/participants, have a chat with the teams, possibly meet people you know.
The best way to get to the track for me, especially to the eastern hairpin section, is the metro. Those stands are the closest to the station. The only issue is leaving after the race. The line-up is gigantic but there is a trick. Cuts the time from 1 hour to 10 minutes. PM me if interested.
I tried grandstand 12 a few years ago. I liked the view but hated the walk there. Especially with other people crowding the way. Cows are better at walking in a herd than humans. Add a couple narrow spots and not only the walk is long but it's slow.
Do try to see the support races, they are a lot of fun. You can see some young talent in the development formulas (some guys eventually make it big, you can brag about seeing them at the beginning of their career), and of course, Ferrari Challenge. Take NASCAR sized cars and a bunch of drivers who would not qualify for a dirt short track race. Some drivers are competent but in general its fun to watch and think "I could probably do better". Walls close to the track make for very busy body shops after those races. And last time there were GT3 Cup cars, as well. Kind similar to the Ferrari stuff but with Porsches, tres cool.
Don't sweat the language stuff. Especially during the F1 weekend you will receive service in English just fine. Well, downtown and in the western part of town you will always get served in English just fine. And if you are not getting served in English then just don't bother with that place. Go to a place that does want your tourist dollars.
Your hotel location is fairly good for access to the party downtown during the weekend. Just walk uphill on Peel street and you'll be pretty much in the thick of it. On St. Catherine street either go left to Crescent street or right to McGill College Street. Both will be closed for concerts/shows whatever else. If you want a more authentic Montreal experience not geared as much to American tourists you can go to St Laurent or even better St-Denis streets. Old Montreal is good to visit, as well.
I can't guarantee you that the race will be good but I can guarantee you that you will have fun. I know I will.
02-02-2010, 12:54 PM
#50
Former Vendor
24: Go down stands, take a right and straight ahead is the can - and food. 2minutes tops.
SO easy to get around and language not an issue - I don't speak more than 2 words of French!
SO easy to get around and language not an issue - I don't speak more than 2 words of French!
02-02-2010, 11:16 PM
#54
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No problem. I've been coming to the race since 1997 missing just one.
Shhhhh! Don't let everyone know! 
02-05-2010, 01:07 PM
#55
Drifting
Best place to watch? Beside me at the guardrail. Failing that - the SRO bar window in the Casino where my spouse has her scotch with one cube (several drinks by the looks of the bar tab last time I was there).
Failing that - the SRO bar window in the Casino where my spouse has her scotch with one cube (several drinks by the looks of the bar tab last time I was there).
03-29-2010, 09:41 PM
#56
3rd Gear
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hollywood Hills, CA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey guys, I will be going as well. All the way from Los Angeles and yes this will be my first F1 race! Can't wait! Is there any way that we can all meet somewhere and have a beer??
Ross
Ross
03-29-2010, 10:15 PM
#57
Three Wheelin'
Wife and I just booked our trip from Phoenix. I'm honestly on the fence about whether to get seats this time or just do general admission so I can find a spot under a tree by the track and enjoy the glorious sounds.
Ross- there are some incredible bars in Montreal. Crescent St goes off and is a don't miss on Friday/Saturday nights. From what I recall, the north and south portions of the track are kept kind-of separate but it wouldn't be hard to arrange a meeting spot for a drink at the track. Would be fun to meet up with some Rennlisters.
Ross- there are some incredible bars in Montreal. Crescent St goes off and is a don't miss on Friday/Saturday nights. From what I recall, the north and south portions of the track are kept kind-of separate but it wouldn't be hard to arrange a meeting spot for a drink at the track. Would be fun to meet up with some Rennlisters.
03-29-2010, 10:37 PM
#58
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
I'd be up for a beer (or two or.......) I'm heading up with Scott (SH || NC) as well as a few other local guys here.
As we get close we'll figure out time/place/etc
As we get close we'll figure out time/place/etc
03-29-2010, 11:20 PM
#59
Three Wheelin'
Let's do it! Would be fun to put some faces with names.
How's the turbo, Dell? I had a pretty quick one a while back, kind-of wish I would have kept it.
How's the turbo, Dell? I had a pretty quick one a while back, kind-of wish I would have kept it.
03-29-2010, 11:37 PM
#60
3rd Gear
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hollywood Hills, CA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ross- there are some incredible bars in Montreal. Crescent St goes off and is a don't miss on Friday/Saturday nights. From what I recall, the north and south portions of the track are kept kind-of separate but it wouldn't be hard to arrange a meeting spot for a drink at the track. Would be fun to meet up with some Rennlisters.