Formula 1 in Indianapolis and Michelin tyre problems

These cars were using Bridgestone tyres whereas all the other would be racers were running Michelins. On Friday it was discovered that the Michelin tyres were not capable of sustaining the speeds developed at Indianapolis and the teams were told not to race on them. Michelin have issued the following statement:-
‘'Michelin is very disappointed about the way the United States Grand Prix turned out at Indianapolis today, for the public, the drivers and the teams.
"Michelin is sorry that the tyres it ran in free practice and qualifying were not suitable for use in racing conditions this weekend, but driver safety is always a priority. Michelin will never change its stance on this principle, whether we are talking about tyres for competition or any other purpose.
"It is regrettable that our pre-race suggestions, agreed in conjunction with our partner teams, were not adopted. Had our ideas been followed, we could have guaranteed driver safety, the participation of our teams and added interest for the public.
"Michelin would like to thank its seven partner teams for their close collaboration, for having made propositions to the FIA and for having respected our advice on safety issues.
"Michelin will continue to investigate the technical reasons for the tyre-related incidents that affected Toyota during Friday's free practice."
The seven Michelin shod teams have been summoned to a meeting of the FIA but issued this statement on Sunday evening:-
The Michelin teams deeply regret the position that they have been put in today and would like to apologise to all the spectators, TV viewers, Formula One fans and sponsors for not being able to take part in today's USA Grand Prix.
"Following Ralf Schumacher's accident on Friday morning, we were advised by Michelin that none of the tyres that were available to the teams could be used unless the vehicle speed in turn 13 was reduced. Without this Michelin did not consider the tyre to be safe to be used for the race.
"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.
"After final data from Michelin became available at 06.30 on Sunday morning it became clear that Michelin were not able to guarantee the safety of the drivers. Numerous discussions and meetings took place to find a safe solution to the problem. Every possibility for the race to go ahead in a safe manner was explored. The only practical solution was for a chicane to be installed prior to Turn 13 and nine of the teams were prepared to run under these conditions even forgoing championship points or by allowing non-Michelin teams to take top positions on the grid.

"Unfortunately all proposals were rejected by the FIA.
"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."
This farce looks set to run and run, the financial implications alone will ensure that but my sympathy goes out to the spectators many of whom had spent large proportions of their salaries to not only get into the stadium but to travel miles and pay for hotels in order to be able to witness the spectacle of formula 1.

France News

Formula 1 shot itself in the foot on Sunday with a bizarre display