posted 06-19-2005 01:37 PM         

Because several of the teams thought turn 13 was too
dangerous for their drivers they withdrew at the end
of the pace lap. I think I've watched my last F1 race.

Sad, sad day in racing!!!!

posted 06-19-2005 03:00 PM         

The FIA, the series governing body, refused a request to allow the teams to change to a fresh set of tires, and wouldn't even consider placing a chicane in the final turn to slow the speeds.

After a lengthy morning meeting, nine of the 10 F1 teams said they would only compete if the chicane was put in place. Ferrari, which fields cars for Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, was the only team to refuse the chicane.

All 20 cars lined up on the starting grid even without the chicane in place. But, after the warmup lap, the 14 cars on Michelin tires all pulled into the garage and parked in protest.

posted 06-19-2005 04:09 PM         

The Michelin teams deeply regret the position that they have been put in today and would like to apologize to all the spectators, TV viewers, Formula One fans and sponsors for not being able to take part," they said in a joint statement.

The seven teams who use the French company's tires did not race due to concerns over safety after crashes in practice, leaving the race open to champions Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi who were on Bridgestone tires.

"All the teams are confident in Michelin and trust their advice as we know they are competent and responsible and their written instruction to us not to race unless changes to the circuit were made was accepted," they said.

The teams said final data from Michelin on Sunday morning made clear the company could not guarantee the drivers' safety.

Nine of the 10 teams asked for an additional chicane to be put in.

"Unfortunately all proposals were rejected by the FIA (the sport's ruling body)," they said. "Safety is always the first concern of any team and the FIA. Regrettably the teams were obliged to follow Michelin's requirements not to race.

"We are totally aware that the USA is an important market for Formula One and there is an obligation for Formula One to promote itself in a positive and professional manner.

"It is sad that we couldn't showcase Formula One in the manner we would have liked today."

posted 06-19-2005 04:14 PM         

The U.S. Grand Prix will not draw many fans in the future,,,its over for them in this country, for a decade or two.

On the flip side, Tony George should have had in his contract with F-1, an agreement to provide a minimum of 16 cars starting the race,,,,,,,or face a complete 'freeze' of all the prize money.

NO ONE in his right mind will waste another minute on that - what a joke !!

"All three drivers were booed as they headed to the podium, the traditional champagne celebration was scrapped, and the PA announcer repeatedly implored the remaining fans in attendance not to throw debris on the track.

It matched the reaction the crowd had since the start, when they were bewildered and left pointing and gawking as they tried to figure out why the majority of the field was climbing out of their cars.

Fans booed and some threw water bottles on the track in disgust. After just 10 laps, many spectators began heading for the exits. There were reports of thousands of fans showing up at the ticket office demanding refunds, and that police had been called to keep the peace."

posted 06-19-2005 05:33 PM         

All but three of the Formula One teams withdrew before the start of Sunday's race because of safety concerns with the Michelin tires.

The only cars that raced were the Ferraris of winner Michael Schumacher and runner-up Rubens Barrichello, the Jordans of Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan and the Minardis of Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher.

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway shares in the disappointment with the loyal fans of IMS and Formula One that we did not see the exciting race we all anticipated due to circumstances beyond our control," George said in a statement.

"The FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), Formula One and manufacturers that represent the cars on the starting grid made decisions on an individual basis to limit participation in today's USGP.

"We suggest the fans who wish to make their feelings known, contact the following," George added, listing the mailing addresses and websites for Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and the FIA in Paris, and the address of Formula One in London.

posted 06-19-2005 06:16 PM         

In yesterdays Indianapolis Star newpaper was an article on the F1 race. F1 says The Speedway does not promote the race enough and they were going to be discussing next years race.

It also said that The Speedway pays F1 15 million up front to bring the race here.

They did resurface the track this last year and had to diamond grind it after testing Indy cars (maybe it was Nascar). The 1st group came in and tested and the second group was delayed until after the grinding. As far as I know they did not change the layout of the track so this was the 5th year they have run here.

I don't like what Tony George has done to the greatest race (Indy 500) but the F1 series isn't needed in Indy and does not have the same feel as the Indy 500 and the Brickyard (now Allstate) 400.

posted 06-19-2005 07:58 PM         

After everyone in the stands realized there was no race some threw their Fosters beer cans on the track and some threw water bottles onto the track. Most people, me included, just looking on in disbelief! I departed the track after 15 of the 74 laps were completed.

There were people in the stands from Japan, India, Columbia, Brazil, etc and locals, who all lost their money. This is my last F1 race for me. I may not be the sharpest pencil in the drawer, but I do learn from my mistakes, and supporting F1 was a big mistake.

When I lived in Europe I loved this sport, but I think it's pretty much ruined, particularly in America. I will also never use Michelin tires on my cars.

posted 06-19-2005 10:08 PM         

How can you blame Michelin? They obliviously put forth some amazing effort to determine that the tires were not up to the task, then manufacture new ones and get them to Indianapolis in time for the race. Amazing!

They took a responsible position in the name of safety and did the right thing. What should happen is F1 should reimburse the fans and the track for their losses and add a new venue in order to make amends for their stupidly.

In short, they should have either modified the rules or canceled the race. This was clearly a situation were safety was at stake and 14 of 20 cars were affected. If they could not field a race with at least 75% (15 of the 20 cars) they should have taken steps to correct the situation.

Hats off to Michelin for having the guts to do what they do best. Safety has always been the hallmark of their mantra and I for one am glad to see them continue the process of supporting a policy of Corporate Integrity will Prevail.

Any race were multi-million dollar cars are not allowed to change the tires is questionable at best.

If they would not let them change the tires to start the race, and I can understand why they would not, then they should have let any team change them at will after the first lap. That would have been fair to all and the time penalty would have been the equalizing force for the teams that did not need to change them.

That would have been a simple decision that would have been fair and saved face. FI is just plain stupid so they deserve the criticism.

I only hope that Michelin continues their responsible approach to safety and that it continues to filter down to the "race cars" that we all drive on the freeways.

The Old Man

posted 06-20-2005 09:56 AM         

Formula One is getting its most high-profile United States presence with the U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, but Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone doesn't seem to be too crazy about Patrick joining her male competitors on the track, despite her recent Indy 500 success.
"She did a good job, didn't she? Super. Didn't think she'd be able to make it like that," Ecclestone told a gathering of reporters about Patrick's Indy 500 finish.

"You know, I've got one of these wonderful ideas that women should be all dressed in white like all the other domestic appliances," Ecclestone added.

Ecclestone has controlled Formula One for 25 years, amassing a fortune estimated at $3.7 billion. He has a holding company which operates some of F1's commercial ventures, ranging from television rights to sponsorships.