Formula 1

[charlos3000]

What was requested of the Bridgestone teams was to allow a chicane to be constructed at Turn 13, which would then allow Michelin to advise their
teams that, in their opinion, the tyres would be able to complete the race distance. It was made very clear that this was the only viable option available, as previous suggestions from the FIA, such as speed-limiting the Michelin cars through Turn 13, could, and probably would, give rise to a monumental accident. This idea, as well as one
concerning the possibility of pit stops every 10 laps, were dismissed, and discussion returned to the only sensible solution - a chicane. During this discussion, a technical representative with specific knowledge of the Indianapolis circuit, together with representatives from IMS, were tasked with preparing the design of a chicane, and Bernie Ecclestone agreed to speak with the one Team Principal not present, Mr Todt, and to inform the FIA President, Max Mosley, who was not present at Indianapolis, of the planned solution to allow the successful running of the US Grand Prix. With only a few hours now remaining to the start of the race, we agreed to reconvene as soon as Bernie had responses from Messrs Todt and Mosley.

At approximately 1055 hrs, Bernie informed us that not only would Mr Todt not agree, stating that it was not a Ferrari problem, but an FIA
and a Michelin problem, but also Mr Mosley had stated that if any attempts were made to alter the circuit, he would cancel the Grand Prix
forthwith. These words had a familiar tone to me, as they were similar to those I had heard around midnight on the Friday preceding the 2005
Australian Grand Prix, when I was told by all the senior FIA representatives present that the Australian Grand Prix would be cancelled forthwith if I did not withdraw pending legal action between Minardi and the FIA. Once again, Mr Mosley was not present at that Grand Prix! It is fair to say at this point that the vast majority of people present in the room both felt and stated that Mr Mosley had completely
overstepped the mark, had no idea whatsoever of the gravity of the situation, and furthermore, cared even less about the US Grand Prix, its
organisers, the fans, and indeed, the hundreds of millions of television viewers around the world who were going to be affected by his intransigence.

By this time, the nine teams had discussed running a non- championship race, or a race in which the Michelin teams could not score points, and even a race whereby only the Michelin teams used the new chicane, and indeed, every other possible option that would allow 20 cars to
participate and put on a show, thereby not causing the enormous damage to Formula One that all those present knew would otherwise occur.

By now, most present felt the only option was to install the chicane and race, if necessary, without Ferrari, but with 18 cars, in what would
undoubtedly be a non-championship race. We discussed with Bernie the effects of the FIA withdrawing its staff, and agreed among ourselves a Race Director, a Safety Car driver, and other essential positions, and all agreed that, under the circumstances, what was of paramount
importance was that the race must go ahead. All further agreed that since we would most likely be denied FIA facilities, such as scales and
post-race scrutineering, every competitor would instruct his team and drivers to conduct themselves in the spirit of providing an entertaining race for the good of Formula One.

At this point, we called for all 20 drivers, and indeed, all 20 arrived, at which point we informed them of our plan. While I cannot testify that each and every driver agreed with what we were proposing, what I can say with certainty is that no driver disagreed, and indeed, members of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association discussed overseeing the construction of a suitable chicane. Jean Todt was the only significant team individual not present, and the Ferrari drivers stated this decision was up to Mr Todt.

I feel it is important to stress that, at this stage, and mindful of the total impossibility - call it force majeure if you wish - of 14 cars
being able to compete in the race, the nine teams represented agreed they would not take part in the race unless a solution was found in the
interests of Formula One as a global sport, as it was clear to all present that the sport, and not the politics, had to prevail if we were
to avoid an impending disaster.

After a short break, we reconvened without the drivers. When I arrived in Bernie's office, Flavio Briatore was on the telephone to Mr Mosley,
and it was quite clear from the body language of the others gathered in the room that Mr Mosley was having none of our suggestions. At the
conclusion of the telephone call, it was obvious that many of those in the room had lost all faith in Mr Mosley and his ability to perform his
function as President of the FIA in respect of Formula One matters.

I'm sure this sentence will be treated with contempt by Mr Mosley, but what must be realised is that there are various reasons that other Team
Principals, and the most senior people in Formula One, will not say publicly what they openly feel privately about Mr Mosley, his politics and his governance of the sport. There is a great temptation to go into those reasons in detail, but that is for another day. Suffice to say,
those gathered at Indianapolis felt Mr Mosley, and to a lesser degree, the lack of co-operation from Mr Todt, were about to be responsible for
the greatest FIAsco in Formula One's recent history.

Discussions then took place concerning the other telephone calls with Mr Mosley from, among others, Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis and Tony
George, and it was clearly revealed to what extent Mr Mosley was prepared to go in order to achieve his aims. To my total disgust, it was
stated that Mosley had informed Mr Martin, the FIA's most senior representative in the USA, that if any kind of non- championship race was run, or any alteration made to the circuit, the US Grand Prix, and indeed, all FIA-regulated motorsport in the US, would be under threat - again, exactly the same tactic that was used in threatening the
Australian Grand Prix and Australian motorsport in March of this year.

By now, it was evident Mosley had bullied the US Grand Prix promoter into submission, Bernie Ecclestone was powerless to intervene, and all
efforts of the Team Principals, with the exception of Jean Todt, had failed to save the 2005 US Grand Prix.

At this point, the pit lane had opened and a hasty discussion took place concerning whether or not the Michelin teams would go to the grid. A
radio had been delivered to me by team personnel at this stage, and I was able to know which cars were going to the grid. It is interesting to
note that the Jordan Team Principal was not present at this time, and indeed, it was the Jordans that first proceeded to the grid, followed by the Ferraris. After discussion with Bernie Ecclestone, it was agreed the Michelin teams would go to the grid, but were absolutely prevented from participating in the race because of the tyre situation.

Three teams line up for the US Grand Prix

We then proceeded to the grid, at which point I asked Jordan's Colin Kolles if he intended to stand by the other teams or participate in the
race. In no uncertain terms, I was told Jordan would be racing. I was also approached by a Bridgestone representative, who informed me that
Bridgestone wished us to race. This left me with one of the most difficult decisions I have had to take during my time in F1, as I did not want to race, but given my current relationship with Mr Mosley, felt certain heavy sanctions would follow if I did not. I made it clear to Bernie Ecclestone, and several Team Principals, that if the Jordans either went off or retired, I would withdraw the Minardi cars from the race.

It is important for people to realise that Minardi, the seven Michelin teams, Bernie Ecclestone, and the promoters did not agree with Mr Mosley's tactics. For the reasons previously outlined, it may take some considerable time, if ever, for this to be admitted, but there is no
question in my mind that the farce that occurred on Sunday, June 19, 2005 at Indianapolis was the responsibility of the FIA President, Max
Mosley, and compounded by the lack of support from Jean Todt.

For the avoidance of doubt, in my opinion, Michelin was responsible enough to admit that the problem was of their creation. When one
considers that even the replacement, Barcelona-specification tyres that were shipped to IMS, when tested, apparently exhibited the same
characteristics as those that originally failed, this clearly is a case of force majeure, as I do not for a moment believe that Michelin
intentionally brought tyres to the event that were unsuitable for competition.

Far more importantly, however, Mosley refused to accept any of the solutions offered, and that refusal was, I believe, politically motivated. Therefore, I feel he failed in his duty, and that is why I have called for his resignation.

Much discussion and debate will undoubtedly take place over the coming weeks and months, but I believe this is a truthful and honest account of
the facts, and not the fiction, surrounding the responsibility for this FIAsco. People can now make up their own minds!"

Press Release
MinardiF1

[Jook Sing Vegas]

During practice did any other Michelin teams crash other than Toyota? Because it might just be a toyota problem if only R.Schumacher & Zonta went off.

[charlos3000]

no other teams had an incident, but inspection showed that other team's tires were showing similar damage that would eventually lead to failure.

[bones2380]

So what your saying is that Michelin brought the wrong tires to the race and wanted everybody to construct a chicane that had not been used during qualifying. That chicane if built also hadn't been approved by FIA, so it's saftey was suspect also.

More opinions

[Jook Sing Vegas]

Michelin offers ticket refunds after boycotted U.S. Grand Prix

By Curt Cavin, The Indianapolis Star
INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. Grand Prix ticket holders got a surprise worth about $12 million Tuesday when Michelin announced it will compensate them for the June 19 debacle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor...s_x.htm?csp=34

[charlos3000]

Originally posted by bones2380
So what your saying is that Michelin brought the wrong tires to the race and wanted everybody to construct a chicane that had not been used during qualifying. That chicane if built also hadn't been approved by FIA, so it's saftey was suspect also.

More opinions

building a chicane had some safety concerns, as brought to light by mosley in a puff PR statement, but it's nothing teams couldn't have adjusted for. it's a matter of using different rotors and pads--the issue is, was there enough time to collect data to safely setup a car for a course with a chicane? could engineers have easily overdesigned a system to work with IMS + chicane?

my inclination is to say yes. the reason why this didn't happen is b/c it would have unfairly affected bridgestone teams. however, nothing precluded the FIA from granting BS teams all the points from winning the first 6 spots, and distributing the remaining points to michelin teams.

the bottom line is, there could have been a solution if both sides were willing to give a little--to me, it seems like the michelin teams gave, and mosley did not. we're currently floating through the jetstream of the current power struggle for control of F1 and the FIA.

we'll see how it plays out tomorrow in paris. chances are mosley will do his best to bust some teams balls (BAR most probably)--which could trigger a boycott of the french GP by all non-ferrari teams.

the "nukular option" for the constructors is the GPWC, which some are saying will be the CART-IRL split that may end F1, or simply end max mosley's relevance.

[bones2380]

New series will be backed by michelin.

F1 has been dead and were just sniffing its ashes. I mean really can you honestly say f1 is entertaining anymore? You only watch for the drama of what goes on away from the track.
Another View

[atomicscissors]

Originally posted by charlos3000
we're currently floating through the jetstream of the current power struggle for control of F1 and the FIA.

[atomicscissors]

Guilty F1 teams await US GP fate

[charlos3000]

the world council decided to take a wait and see approach. if michelin and the mich teams do enough to make up for the USGP debacle, it would probably be a non-event in terms of discipline.

BAR gets to keep competing, so that's a good thing too. glad that things have chilled out some, and the nuclear option's been shelved (and the french GP will not be boycotted) for the time being. let's just get back to racing!

now, about BAR--i find it sad that last year's #2 constructor is the only team left without any points. it'll be interesting to see how honda's new V8 competes next season, as well as a possible williams-honda reunion.

[Jook Sing Vegas]

This looks interesting a F1 Car at Bonneville
http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000423049786/

[atomicscissors]

I had read about this in a magazine some time ago but I just saw this at Toys 'R Us this weekend while shopping for my little niece.

This is from the "Racers" line which is a little more advanced. They have a 1:24 scale model in the regular kiddie style plus a pit stop set! I'm gettin' them all!!!

http://shop.lego.com/product.asp?p=8386&d=9&t=4

[atomicscissors]

Ack! Thanks HK!

[Steven P]

Originally posted by atomicscissors
I had read about this in a magazine some time ago but I just saw this at Toys 'R Us this weekend while shopping for my little niece.

This is from the "Racers" line which is a little more advanced. They have a 1:24 scale model in the regular kiddie style plus a pit stop set! I'm gettin' them all!!!

http://shop.lego.com/product.asp?p=8386&d=9&t=4

THAT
SHIT
IS
THE
POOP!

You saw them at Toys'R'Us huh? I'm going to have to take a look tomorrow. Holy crap, $69.99 is a bit steep though.


In anycase, GO JUAN PABLO! Its about time you pulled together a race.

[atomicscissors]

Originally posted by Steven P
You saw them at Toys'R'Us huh? I'm going to have to take a look tomorrow. Holy crap, $69.99 is a bit steep though.

Yeah, it is. But the finished model is supposed to be 18 inches long and there's like 700+ parts.