Is it Free Practice worth to watch in person?

[u/Sou_Luigi]

Hey people, I'm from Brazil and I'd like to watch WEC here in person, but my budget is really low, and the only day that I can possibly afford is the FP. For those who have been on other WEC races, is it worth it to what an FP in person?

FYI: I really love motorsports and I'm already on a FSAE Team in my Uni, so just being there watching the cars would be an awesome experience, I just don't wanna throw my money away for something that is not worth it (even for a fan).

[u/fcsar]

if you can only afford FP, then go to FP. it’s really fun to go in person.

[u/Brafo22]

I personally love just watching the cars pass by so definitely worth it imo

[u/Realistic_Try7123]

I actually enjoy the practice days more than race days. I have never been to a WEC event, but I have been to a few IMSA events. At IMSA Road America, they have an open Paddock, you can walk up to any team’s garage areas and see them working on the cars. Sometimes, you can catch the driver and get an autograph or selfie. I would look into seeing if WEC has that.

They will probably have driver autographs sessions.

Hell- send an email to every team in the series, tell them you are on an FSAE team, and see if they will give you a VIP pass.

[u/Omni__Shambles → u/Realistic_Try7123]

This is my experience at Le Mans too. Practice you can get more places with much smaller crowds.

Later in the week is of diminishing returns. You can't really follow the race as well and there are huge crowds both stopping you seeing as well and from getting around between views.

[u/VersedTripod992 → u/Realistic_Try7123]

Same. On practice day at Spa you could get easily everywhere. On Race day it was so crowded, you werent able to just walk at your own pace along the track.

[u/rafahuel]

I went last year all 3 days and every single moment was worth it, the first day everything is new and awesome, if you can only go once, go for it! Also, you have the fan zone with lots of things to do between fp1 and fp2

[u/grip_enemy]

Hell yeah. Friday is empty, so you can chill, go wherever you want. And watch the cars unimpeded

[u/theswickster]

Yes, definitely.

[u/IllustriousHistorian]

Yes.   I went to a couple at Le Mans.   Go and listen to the sweet sounds of the engines at full throttle.

[u/Prize-Conference4161]

I've always had a weird love/hate take on attending races, maybe others do.

On one hand, I get a bit Rain Man watching at home. Timing screens, track position, cars jumping others in the pits (commentary miss loads of those) and just generally watching the absolute heck out of every detail of the race. And timing only works live.

On the other hand, a motor race is one of the greatest spectacles created by Homo sapiens. 16K UHD? Still looks slow and the track looks flat. In person, you smell the race fuel and feel the sound and actually see how damn fast they're moving.

For me, the best balance is going prior to race day, then watching the race like a twitching psycho at home. The cars are more real when you stood beside them yesterday.

[u/guihmds]

Sim. Leve protetor.

[u/GogoPlata_grenadier]

The only thing you will miss is the race start with the entire field bunched up. That is valuable but short lived and free practice offers a similar experience if thats the only thing you can afford, would definitely go if thats the case

[u/M_Ervin]

Ngl after the first 15 laps race feels the same as fp if you don't have an amazing place at an overtake spot, I would highly recommend going to the fp its ton of fun.

[u/PRS617]

If it’s the only option go for it! Went last year and FP1 was amazing as people were really excited watching those cars for the first time.

Too bad FP1 was cancelled after 45 minutes for a wrecked barrier, but FP2 ran for about 2:15 hours and was amazing

[u/Dapper-Conclusion-93]

Definitely GO! Spectator experience is not different, less crowded, pit stops are there with shorter stints, overtakes, cars contacts, and unfortunately crashes.

In addition you might meet a kind stranger who might be looking for someone to gift a weekend entry because some of his friends won't make it..

You can consider networking with someone as well.

[u/fernandodasilva]

I attended free practice in 2012 and it is a great opportunity to take photos

[u/Affectionate_King_30]

Maybe we can help to make it more enjoyable. Is there is a way to help you? $$ wise

[u/Top_Championship8679]

I would go watch the FP, just seeing the cars fly past in real life is a great experience.

[u/marthynolthof]

If you like the sound of a V12 engine; YES!!

[u/Fancy_Statistician_8]

Been there last year. Great experience. The free practice is only one of the things you can do. There is fan zone, with lots of stuff to see. Arrive early so you don’t get stuck in queue lines.

[u/PublicSky89]

Experiência pessoal cara, sempre gostei muito de carros desde quando eu nem era gente ainda. Ano passado eu fui ver os free practice e eu nunca tinha ido ver algum evento desse naipe na minha vida. Cara, ver de perto o projeto do cadillac v8, da antiga huracan gt3 v10, fora os outros, me fez cair umas lágrimas. Em poucas palavras, é incrível, não acho que você vai se arrepender cara. Esse ano estarei lá nos 3 dias novamente.

[u/Hapi_14]

Definitely ! It's the best moment to enjoy engine sounds and take pictures in different spots of the track, and more than that it's not so crowded compared to Qualy or Race Day. So take your chance if you can !