



Germany

Nürburgring July 7

The Nürburgring track is in the Eifel Mountains, in southern Germany, far from any major city; Cologne is 70 kilometers, about 45 miles, to the north. There are picturesque villages, like Blankenheim, and many campgrounds in the area. The current track pales by comparison to the historic, 22-kilometer old Nürburgring next door, but at least it is possible to see the original track, which ceased to be used by Formula One after Niki Lauda’s horrific accident there in 1976. Since 2009, the circuit opened a vast, racing-theme shopping mall and amusement park ride, in addition to the indoor go-karting that had been there. There is plenty for spectators to do when there is no track action. Score: 5.6





Hungary

Budapest July 28

Because of the narrow, winding nature of the circuit, the racing on the Hungaroring track may be among the most processional of the season. But the track also gives spectators one of the best viewing circuits on the calendar, as the track is built in a dish-like terrain. There is a water park in the back area of the circuit for cooling off in the heat of the Hungarian summer. But for tourism, the biggest attraction is the city of Budapest, with its fabulous restaurants, coffee houses, museums, castle, public baths, parks, promenades and the Danube running through it. Moreover, it is only a 20-minute drive from the city center to the circuit, and the traffic is not too bad. The Budapest race weekend has also gone from being the cheapest during the communist era to one of the most expensive today, as hotels and restaurants raise prices during the race weekend. Score: 7





Belgium

Spa-Francorchamps Aug. 25

Spa is one of the most exciting, impressive and historic tracks in Formula One — especially with its frightening, high-speed Eau Rouge corner, which rises up a wooded hill. For fans of racing history it is worth the trip. But it’s the longest track on the calendar and visibility remains limited. When accessing the circuit by car, there can be long lines of poorly regulated traffic. The circuit is surrounded by campsites and a multitude of villages, but the closest major city is Liège, a 45-minute drive away. Liège has good dining, nightlife and shopping. Score: 6.7





Italy

Monza Sept. 8

One of Formula One’s most historic tracks, Monza has hosted Grands Prix since the early 1920s and throughout the modern era. It is in a former royal park in what is essentially a suburb of Milan, and the park is a pleasure to roam. The circuit offers both sightseeing — particularly of the remains of the old banked oval, which is no longer in use — and shopping in the souvenir shops. Visibility is limited in the grandstands. Monza and the surrounding towns are worth a visit, and Milan is a half-hour drive away and also accessible by train. Mixing a visit to this great Italian city with the race is a big advantage. And there’s nothing like soaking in the atmosphere of the tifosi, as the Italian fans — Ferrari disciples — are called. Score: 7.6





Singapore

Singapore Sept. 22

One of the goals of the Singapore Grand Prix when it started in 2008 was to become the Monaco of Asia. It succeeded. This race has just about everything. It is run on a street circuit in central Singapore, with easy access by subway from all parts of the city. There are shopping malls and restaurants a five-minute walk from the track, there is the harbor, parks, and, above all, the culture and nightlife of Singapore. The race is run at night, with most of the track action happening in the evening, and the city’s food stalls and other entertainment stay open late, sometimes all night long, and it is safe to walk the streets any time. The race promoters not only put on a great show on the track, but there is also a series of pop and rock concerts running in conjunction with the race weekend on a giant outdoor stage beside the circuit. The Killers lead the lineup of acts this year. Hotels are generally small and very expensive. The heat and humidity can be suffocating for tourists unaccustomed to the climate. Score: 7.7





South Korea

Yeongam Oct. 6

A visit to the Korean Grand Prix may require extra days devoted to tourism in Seoul, to get a taste of the cosmopolitan offerings and other tourist attractions. The distance from Seoul to Mokpo, the closest town to the race circuit, may first seem daunting, involving a five-hour car drive south from the capital. But the high-speed train from Seoul to Mokpo is as easy as taking a subway or commuter train, and it is cheap, comfortable, and fast. The trip takes less than three hours. Mokpo is a great place to visit for at least a couple of nights to get a different taste of South Korea, one that is much better known to Koreans than foreigners. Mokpo is a vacation town, and there is a festival of music and games during the race weekend. There are restaurants aplenty, as well as karaoké bars and the sea. The circuit is one of the least comfortable for spectators, and there is little happening at the track apart from the racing. Score: 5.4