Congratulations, it is your favourite time of the year again. In other words, F1 season is upon us. Going for the Silverstone Grand Prix this year? The British Formula One track, along with the Italian race track, are the oldest in Formula One motor sports, and Lewis Hamilton has been building up the heat since the Canadian Grand Prix, and Mercedes will be looking to get further ahead of the curve with this race. Before the British F1 from July 14-16 is the Austrian Grand Prix — July 7-9 at Spielberg, a far more scenic track than Silverstone. Since the track has recently started hosting F1 again, after being bought over and redeveloped by Red Bull, curiosity is rife about this Grand Prix.

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Drifting around While tickets do not come with hotel stays, the Austrian Grand Prix organisers have shortlisted some beautiful bed-and-breakfasts, at €100-200 per night (five nights minimum stay) very close to the event, and they can be booked directly at www.grandprixevents.com. They are, alternatively, offering luxury coaches to ferry you to and from Vienna; transit time is approximately two hours. Apart from the Formula One races, one can explore the Styrian landscape, replete with mountains and forests, and is great for hiking in this weather.

If you’re attending the British Grand Prix, prepare for the vagaries of the infamous English weather. Pack equal amounts of sun and wind/rain protection. Accommodation cost skyrockets around the Formula One season. Unless you’re okay with taking a train or bus from either London, or Birmingham, it’s ideal that you book a place in advance. The locals like to pitch tents near the venue, in fields nearby, and if you aren’t too picky, and are familiar with the country, it is a great way to enjoy the event and soak in the festival vibe at the Whittlebury campsite. Old hands Scottish rock band Travis will be inaugurating the Grand Prix, and a ticket for the weekend gives you free access to the paddocks and grandstands, where over 100 car clubs will display 10,000 classic models. The site promises a ‘village-themed’ fair, celebratory car club parades and air displays! The track has some well-known high-speed corners that always hold the promise of a fair bit of action. Reach the grand stand early and pick a seat before you are forced to sit just about anywhere. The Guardian recommends carrying a portable radio around to get updates on pit stops, the team’s strategies, and the weather. Every Grand Prix newbie must also carry earplugs, since an entire weekend of vrooming sounds may result in PTSD. No, really. Ask any veteran.

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Pit stop

Silverstone Grand Prix has racked up a total of 6,000 bottles of champagne, 10,000 bottles of wine, and 20,000 bottles of mineral water, so it can be presumed that every thirst will be quenched. There are numerous eateries which cater to you, whether you’re the lobster, strawberries and champagne kind, or fries-and-burger person. Rumour has it that 10,000 burgers have been consumed during a previous Formula One. Mexican, Indian, Italian and Caribbean options are available as well. As far as the Austrian Grand Prix is concerned, expect to go more country-style and rustic, savour local wines, and local mountain delicacies such as the Germknödel dumpling, something like a sticky jam doughnut. What’s not to like?

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