Together with my friends, we attended the Formula Three races on the brand new Valencia Street Circuit, (pronounced “Sirkweeet”) on July 26th and 27th, 2008. We were there for the first ever, historical formal race, which was the Grand Prix GTA. I should tell you that I did enjoy myself because you might not be able to conclude that based on my following observations, but the fact is that we did have a good time.
The fun thing to do is pick a contestant and root for him with all your might. That way you get fully engaged and you’ll be elated or disappointed, as the case might be.
These races were actually trials of the track itself which had been newly and purpose built, although never before tested. Personnel, security, gate flow, seating, will all be put to extensive pressure for the Formula One that expects 112,000 paid attendance so this was a rehearsal for that event.
One reason why I was able to fully enjoy myself was because I had paid ten euros a day to attend. We sat in a section that will cost a minimum of 379 euros covering three days, August 22, 23, and the day of the actual race, the 24th. That will work out at 126 euros per day. Top price for the really super section is 480 euros, or 160 euros per day. These tickets are now being sold to late-comers at vastly higher prices.
I’m now going to play devil’s advocate and be picky, but please remember that I did enjoy myself.
Firstly, just on the outskirts of Valencia city is the world-class racing track at Cheste. I have watched Formula One trials there, and albeit, that track is a counter-clockwise course, I wonder if that really does make it impossible to hold the event there. From my viewpoint, there would be definite advantages for the spectator. For one thing the action can be followed all round the course from the comfort of every seat.
Why then, should the races be held in a street circuit? No matter where you sit you only get to see part of the action, and there does not appear to be any intention to place large screens around the course. That would be a definite advantage for it would then combine both live and broadcast action. Also, a programme showing who was driving which car would have helped. Perhaps this will be available for the big race.
Our tickets were sold by section and by specific seat, but on the days that we attended the seat numbers had not been put in place. That was an advantage to us as we could pick and choose as we pleased.
It was exceedingly hot on those bleachers in the exposed sun, so a small parasol was good thinking, just as long as it didn’t block out the action for others. Do not copy the selfish act of one patron who thought it perfectly alright to open up a gigantic umbrella in a key spot that blocked the view of hundreds of people. He was roundly condemned and had to take it down.
Security was generous, but for reasons best known to themselves all bottles of liquid had to have their tops removed and discarded. Probably not a good idea to take in champagne then.
As one might expect, anything that was purchased from vendors came at a ridiculous price. A small bottle of water at 2.00 euros. An ice cream that normally sells for 1.50 sold for 3.50.
I reserve my harshest barbs for sanitation. Organisers are relying on port-a-loos to serve the needs of such vast crowds. These things are hot as hell, smell like hell, and are probably what the real hell will be like. If there really is no other practical solution then I suggest that they need to be regularly patrolled by a small army of cleaners as they are an insult to people who are paying top euro to attend what is billed as a world-class event. That alone will bring the prestige of the event down.
Track workers will have to work much faster to clear crashed cars from the track. One such crash that happened for our benefit, that was little more than a fender bender, took a full half-hour to clear and stopped the race. That cannot stand for Formula One.
And finally, without getting into the rights or wrongs of worker’s disputes, once again, and right on cue, the Valencia Metro workers went on strike for the two days of Formula Three, and they will be on strike for the three days of Formula One. They can also be counted on to strike over Fallas, and most other major events that need to move massive numbers of people. By now, one wonders, whether this is legitimate labour negotiations in action or just plain blackmail of the public.
Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael
