13 January 2019 09:54
A selection of the best experiences available for the 2019 season
Are you thinking of taking a trip in 2019 and having the time of your life with Motorsport Live?
Our travel experts have got together to make a list of exceptional experiences available for all kinds of motorsport and travel fans. We look at the track, the experience, and even the locale to help you get the most out of your next adventure!
F1 Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix at the lauded Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the most iconic on the Formula 1 calendar. As the closest F1 race to the Netherlands, the event has surged in popularity in the wake of Max Verstappen's ascent, leading to an electric atmosphere throughout the Grand Prix weekend.
The length and topography of Spa-Francorchamps offers multiple viewing spots for hardy spectators (walking boots and clothes for all possible weather are a must), with grandstands available at the La Source hairpin, breathtaking Eau Rouge complex or sweeping Pouhon section, where a bespoke seating area is available as part of a Fan Stand package purchasable through Motorsport Live.
Stavelot is home to Spa-Francorchamps' official museum, which features a collection of awe-inspiring cars from several motorsport disciplines and a history of the circuit, including a guide to the still-intact old track layout, which is a must-visit for any Formula 1 aficionado.
Best For: Surely top of the bucket list for any motorsport fan? Tick this one off and you've ticked off the doyenne
F1 Hungarian Grand Prix
For a summer weekend away there's no better destination than the Hungarian Grand Prix at the amphitheatre-style Hungaroring.
Large portions of the tight and twisty track are visible from several prime spots either on the general admission grass banks or the newly-renovated grandstands, with Motorsport Live offering a Fan Stand at the final corner, giving a stunning view of the final sector and the pits straight.
But the Grand Prix weekend is a mere fraction of what Hungary has to offer, with the Hungaroring located a short hop away from the vibrant city of Budapest, where East meets West across the Danube, which splits the historic district of Buda from the culturally vivacious Pest.
Visit Buda Castle, which provides a spectacular view of the Danube, the Chain Bridge, and Pest, before spending the evening soaking up Pest's famous ruin bars, located within once-abandoned courtyards, or take a trip to one of the city's many thermal baths for some relax and unwind period.
Best For: Tying in a city break in beautiful surroundings alongside a popular Grand Prix
F1 Austrian Grand Prix
Formula 1 meets rural idyll at the Austrian Grand Prix as the championship's racers do battle in the stunning countryside of the Styrian Alps.
Motorsport Live is offering fans the opportunity to spectate from its designated Fan Stand at the Red Bull Ring, and this also encompasses accommodation, with a bespoke area adjacent to the circuit providing camping and glamping options, and take in some of the local cuisine, such as a healthy portion of schnitzel or goulash.
The rural nature of the Spielberg commune in which the Red Bull Ring is located means it is ideal for a long road trip through achingly beautiful scenery, while the nearest major airports - either Vienna or Salzburg - gives a good excuse to visit either of these world-famous cities.
Best for: A Formula 1 escape in a spectacular setting
MotoGP Jerez
MotoGP roars into its European heartlands at one of its most well-attended events: the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez.
The passionate home fans cheer on regular Spanish pacesetters Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo and Maverick Vinales, while the circuit itself has born witness to more than its fair share of scintillating last corner showdowns, none more so than the iconic clash between Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau.
The tightly-compacted nature of the circuit means several vantage points offer prime views, none more so than the grandstands that adorn the final sector of the venue.
Jerez itself is synonymous with sherry and tapas, so where better than to head into its historic centre in the evening to soak up the local (and reasonably priced) delicacies, while slightly further afield the cities of Cadiz and Seville can turn a weekend into a longer stay. So for a carnival of two-wheeled action, a jaunt to Jerez is the ideal place to start the European season.
Best for: Soaking up MotoGP in a partisan Spanish atmosphere
F1 Australian Grand Prix
It's the dawn of a new season! The brand-new Formula 1 cars may break cover before winter testing, but it's not until they get to Albert Park that the contenders are separated from the pretenders.
There's something special about the first race of the season, with the parkland transformed into a world class circuit that has witnesses some breath-taking racing and colossal clashes. Lined with grassy banks and palm trees, Albert Park a beautiful place to go racing. Pull up a spot on the hill overlooking both the lake and lightning-quick entry into Turn 11 and you'll see what we mean.
The location of the Albert Park precinct also works perfectly with the twilight timetable. With the track nestled hard up against the vibrant St Kilda area, countless bars and restaurants can be reached on foot within minutes of the on-track action coming to an end. If an eclectic seaside village isn't your thing, the bustling CBD full of laneway treasures is just a short tram ride away.
Best for: Kicking off a new Formula 1 season in style