AS THE lights turn to green and the Formula One motor racing season roars into life, Travel Editor GILL WILLIAMS finds out how to follow the action around the world...
APRIL 8, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
THE grand prix circus arrives for Easter in Kuala Lumpur, where Victorian buildings are mirrored in the glass walls of gleaming highrises. Let the steamy tropical conditions slow you down on an altogether more sedate trip through Malaysia, spending two weeks travelling in sailing junks around Penang, by riverboat through primeval forest up to the high country to the tea plantations and colonial hill stations.
TICKETS: A three-day pass to the race weekend costs from £27.44pp. Sunday passes for the race itself cost from £89.04pp through www.formula1.com
GREEN LIGHT:A two-week holiday with Explore in Malaysia during the Grand Prix departing April 1 costs £1,519pp including flights (Heathrow, regional connections available), all transportation, 12 nights' B&B and the services of a tour leader. Call 0870 333 4001 or go to www.explore.co.uk
MAY 13, CATALONIA, SPAIN
FORMULA One arrives in Barcelona in May. The race circuit's mix of highspeed and low-speed corners, plus its bumpy track, makes for a demanding race. When the excitement becomes too much, pull into the slow lane to spend three nights at the five-star Mas de Torrent in the Spanish countryside.
TICKETS: T hree-day pass from £112.09pp through www.formula1.com
GREEN LIGHT: Three nights' B&B at the Mas de Torrent costs from £756pp during May including flights from London or Manchester and car hire. Call Kirker Holidays on 0870 421 1201 or go to www.kirkerholidays.com
JULY 1, MAGNY COURS, FRANCE
THE Magny Cours circuit in Burgundy was a karting track for 25 years before Formula One arrived in 1991. You don't get to drink and drive on the track but away from the circuit you can spend a couple of days exploring Magny Cours' vineyards, restaurants and more than 150 chateaux, many open to visitors.
TICKETS: Three-day pass from £68.55pp. Sunday pass from £56.45 through www.formula1.com
GREEN LIGHT: A twonight stay at the threestar Hotel de Dracy costs from £181pp during July, based on two sharing and including dinner and breakfast plus Channel crossings for one car. Call VFB Holidays on 01452 716 842 or go to www.vfbholidays.co.uk
JULY 8, SILVERSTONE, NORTHANTS, UK
FANS will be cheering on new British wonderkid Lewis Hamilton on his home circuit at Silverstone. Built on the site of a World War Two airfield, the track has been modified in the last 12 years to add more overtaking and viewing positions.
TICKETS: Three-day pass from £115.50 at www.formula1.com
GREEN LIGHT: Stay at Whittlebury Hall near Towcester and alternate between the track and the spa. A three-night package during Silverstone weekend costs £1,645pp for dinner, bed and breakfast and spa entry. Alternatively, this month two can book the hotel overnight Spa Escape package for £130 per night including spa treatments and dinner. For info go to www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call 0845 400 0001
AUGUST 26, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
ISTANBUL Racing Circuit opened in 2005 and it's now a firm grand prix fixture. The track is on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, adjacent to the new international airport.
TICKETS: On sale soon through www.formula1.com
GREEN LIGHT: Three nights' B&B at the three-star Ayasofya Pansiyonlari hotel costs from £556 pp during August (based on two sharing) including flights from London or Manchester and transfers. Call Kirker Holidays on 0870 421 1201 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com
SEPTEMBER 30, FUJI SPEEDWAY, JAPAN
STAY at the five-star Tokyo Keio Plaza Hotel and don't miss a second of the action with three days' entrance to the Fuji Speedway. The holiday for Formula One fans gives you four nights accommodation, transfers to the track and entrance on September 28, 29 and 30.
TICKETS: On sale soon through www.formula1.com
GREEN LIGHT: This holiday is priced £975 pp based on two sharing. Contact InsideJapan Tours on 0870 120 5600 or visit www.insidejapantours.com
FOR more info on holidays to follow the action, contact the Association of Independent Tour Operators on 020 8744 9280 or www.aito.co.uk
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