Test weekend information

[Martini...LB]

Hi Guys
I am thinking of going to the test weekend prior to LM week next year and could do with a bit of info.

Is next year's two weeks prior to the race?
Are tickets needed and if so what is the cost?
Where can you camp?
Is there more access to the pits etc.

Any other info available would be good.

Thanks
>Martini…LB

[Werner]

Hi Martini,

The test weekend will be on 4th June 2017, 2 weeks prior to the race. Tickets: I know from some one who went there that the test sunday 2016 was 20 € BUT you didn't have to pay, if you already had your GE for race week. So if you plan to visit the race 2 weeks later as well, you will have no extra cost.

No clue about campsites and pit access though.

Werner

[mgmark]

As Werner says, if you have your GE ticket for the main race, entrance will be covered by that.

On camping, don't quote me....but I think in the last couple of years  they have used Bleu/Bleu Nord for free parking outside the circuit, the Bugatti circuit for parking inside the circuit (paid but don't know how much) and Houx for camping from the Friday to the Monday at around 10-15 Euros.

A quick email to the ACO asking the question should confirm the arrangements for next year.

MG Mark

[smokie]

I used to do test weekends but usually used hotels as they were less expensive and getting around was so much easier than race week. Enjoyable weekends they were too!

[geoffd]

There is a pit lane walkabout on the Saturday, and with the cars scrutineered at the circuit you do get to see them a little more close up at times when they are pushed to and fro.  Plus you do get the odd pitstop practice from some of the smaller teams too.

If you are doing the race too then, IMHO, it solves the problem of the chaos that is the Friday pitlane walkabout that's for sure!

[Kristof]

As said before, if you've got a GE ticket, entry for the testweekend is included.

If you want to get close to the cars and into the pitlane, the testweekend is the place to be.  Pitlane is open on Saturday all day to stroll around and watch the cars going into scrutineering, pitboxes ...  Several teams will do pitstop practice, lots of drivers to spot in & around the paddock ... you'll get access that you won't get during raceweek.  Guess it will be the same on Friday (scrutineering even started on Thursday this year with 60 entries).

Don't know about campsites, didn't see any campers around the track this year on BN, Rouge or BSJ. Hotels are not too expensive during the testweekend, if you book early you might even find a few bargains.