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WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 2:40 pm
by ACBC
I am severely disabled as the result of a motorsport injury. I mostly travel solo and need a wheelchair to get around, I drive.
Are there any F1 venues, anywhere in the world, where I can access the circuit in my wheelchair and get to a decent viewing position, undercover and well above ground level and my view not blocked by someone standing in front of me?
I am happy to pay grandstand rates but not Paddock Club rates. I would expect access to food and drink and disabled toilets.
My researches to date suggest ‘No.’
As a benchmark, my Premier League season ticket provides parking next to the stadium, a grandstand space with no seats immediately in front, accessible by lift from the car park, and an adjacent seat for a carer. This costs £200 per year - I then have to pay for the match tickets.

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 9:54 pm
by Exediron
It's not something I'm aware of existing, but it certainly seems like it ought to. Have you tried calling any of the tracks and asking them specifically?

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 10:08 pm
by jono794
Albert Park has a raised viewing area specifically for people in wheelchairs on the outside of the braking area for turn 3 - Really good spot! Singapore had at least one as well.

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:47 am
by P-F1 Mod
A few years ago Spa had General Admission wheelchair access to a little stand at Eau Rouge. Tufty had some photos of SDLRob crashing his chair at La Source that year so there's definitely accessibility to some degree.

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 5:00 am
by Ruste13
G'day mate its

I have been to Albert Park a few times and generally Aussie sports venues are pretty good.

Check out last years circuit map as it doesnt change much or flick the management company an email.

There is really good accomodation in St Kilda a few kms away and heaps of good resturants etc

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:07 pm
by ShaneM
COTA has to adhere to the Americans with Disability Act, and they are extremely stringent on having access as you describe, although I do not know for sure if they do have it. I would be shocked if they don't. And if they do not just threaten to call the A.D.A. And they will rectify the problem real quick, and probably bend over backwards for you.

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:15 pm
by Mod Yellow
Silverstone certainly have front and center access for all wheelchair users in the general admission areas, but these areas aren't covered like the grandstands which would fall foul of your required needs. However, if they can offer space at the front of all the GA areas (and i've personally seen staff there go out of their way to help those who need it at the front) then i'd be fairly sure that the grandstands surely offer the same experience. Your best bet would probably be telephoning any of the circuits you are planning to visit in advance and explaining exactly what needs you have to enjoy the race.

I doubt any of the racetracks wouldn't be helpful, it'd be awful PR at the very least, criminally negligent at worst.

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:51 pm
by shoot999
Access grandstands at Silverstone include Nation Straight. Abbey, Woodcote and Club. Club is raised and the particular grandstands are disabled person and PA only; so a clear view. Terraces also have disabled only sections. So again no one standing in front of you. PA's go free. Event Mobility usually manage the F1 event and go live when the tickets are up for sale.

Re: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS TO A FORMULA ONE RACE

Posted: Mon Oct 07, 2019 5:30 am
by Remmirath
CotA has accessible seating, shuttles, and restrooms. I have seen that at least some of the bathrooms have accessible stalls, although I haven't seen the seating myself (it's at Turn 12, Turn 15, and the Main Grandstand, and I was up on the hill at Turn 1). From the website it sounds like special requests for accomodation beyond their typical accessible seating can be made, although I don't know how easy/expensive/likely to work out that is. This is the section about it on the circuit's website.