[Fritz]

Hi,

I've attended the German GP at Hockenheim and I have been to a couple other tracks at non-GP times.

Hockenheim is ok. I had seats at the start of the main straight meaning the very back of the grid at the start. I could not see the pits very well but I could see the rest of the infield area as well as the cars coming out of the forest area. Overall, the experience was fantastic. The crowd was loud and fun. It was very crowded and they sit everywhere. The Germans like Americans so many pleasant experiences there. The public transportation is close enough to walk (a fair distance though, but so is parking in the big parking lots). Another advantage is that with so many flights into Frankfurt it is pretty easy to do for a long weekend trip.

The Ring is a little more difficult to get to and the seating/viewing area has a less intimate feel to it.

Silverstone is a great track and England is the heart of F1. NOT an easy track to get to. Very, very, very crowded for the race weekend. Not really anyplace close to stay. Allow several hours in and out of the track area. If you are doing one of the tour companies then this is the race because they set-up visists to F1 related shops and have a ready supply of speakers at meals.

Budapest...a PIA to get to, but it is close to Vienna which is beautiful. Monte Carlo, again, not as easy to get to but it is extraordinary. Track viewing is very limited. Also, it is very intimidating unless you are one of the super-rich.

Haven't been to Magny Cours but if they move the French GP back to Paul Ricard I would take it over Monte Carlo.

I've heard positive things about Spa and Spain. I understand at Spain there is a train stop right at the track so it is handy for public transportation as well as not being as crowded as the other tracks.

If you are young and enjoy camping, hundreds (maybe thousands) camp out at the tracks in the parking lots (big dirt/grass fields). Remember the beginning of Le Mans? It is still like that. They drink and sing into the wee hours. Just don't get between the German/Schumacher and English/McLaren fans at Silverstone.

Whichever you choose, it will be a great experience.