F1 2005!!!

Knuckles · Post by **Knuckles** » 21 Jun 2005, 15:19

*that pic really puts into perspective the joke this race was.

Slagter · Post by **Slagter** » 21 Jun 2005, 15:21

DEeRaY wrote:

everytime i see this i wanna cry
Starting grid for the 2005 Indianapolis Grand Prix for those who dont know

Now tell me they coulndt have made a plan.... Just look at that its... its... its just wrong

LOL!! The car at the back is not part of the race either!!! Just inccase you thought it was!!

Post by **Kronos** » 21 Jun 2005, 15:25

Slagter wrote:
DEeRaY wrote:

everytime i see this i wanna cry
Starting grid for the 2005 Indianapolis Grand Prix for those who dont know

Now tell me they coulndt have made a plan.... Just look at that its... its... its just wrong
LOL!! The car at the back is not part of the race either!!! Just inccase you thought it was!!

Although if the safety car had driven the whole race, he could've probably been third.

DEeRaY · Post by **DEeRaY** » 21 Jun 2005, 15:25

Bwhahaha, if it raced it probably would have got 3rd place BHAHAHAHAHA

EDIT:Same time KRONOS haha

Slagter · Post by **Slagter** » 21 Jun 2005, 15:37

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! That is true!!!

elbow · Post by **elbow** » 22 Jun 2005, 02:57

DEeRaY wrote:Bwhahaha, if it raced it probably would have got 3rd place BHAHAHAHAHA

EDIT:Same time KRONOS haha

And it's a Mercedes so i would have been supporting that car in the race...as long as he had the right tyres on though...he might have had to slow for turn 13 as well!!!

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 06:56

Elbow I'm with you there boet........ Damn why didn't the Safety car race?

elbow · Post by **elbow** » 22 Jun 2005, 07:10

VoodooProphetII wrote:Elbow I'm with you there boet........ Damn why didn't the Safety car race?

Prob would have beaten the Ferrari's on straight line

That was a joke all u ferrari supporters!

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 08:05

LOL.......... Ag I must say that I'm pissed off because the guilt is thrown towards the 7 teams running Michelin tyres. It's a joke to say the least....why throw the guilt at those teams if they actions were primarily for the safety of the drivers? I wonder what the outcome would have been have the Michelin's been the slower tyre in the slower sections of the track...... Well it's a done deal and only thing we could do is see what happens in France (Michelin HQ)....

dammod · Post by **dammod** » 22 Jun 2005, 09:53

elbow wrote:
VoodooProphetII wrote:Elbow I'm with you there boet........ Damn why didn't the Safety car race?
Prob would have beaten the Ferrari's on straight line
That was a joke all u ferrari supporters!

We got a whole bunch of point!! HAHAH!!! How many did your temas get? We won, you lost...PERIOD.!

RVFmal · Post by **RVFmal** » 22 Jun 2005, 10:12

Just another point pertaining to the Interlagos 2003 wet tyres affair.

First of all the circuit was unsafe for all the runners, therefore the decision was taken to bring out the safety car. Quite a few runners ended up crashing anyway, including Schumacher on the Bridgestones and Montoya on the Michelins and let us not forget that the last few almost hit the crane trying to remove other cars!.

Now let's look at the other facts: Bridgestone did not:
1. Ask the FIA to delay the start
2. Ask the FIA to make changes to the track to so-called make it safer
3. Make their teams withdraw from the race.

In fact they accepted the fact that they had made a mistake on the day and went out racing anyway. The FIA made those decisions based on their own assumptions.

Therefore it is not possible to compare the 2 races as the circumstances were different in many respects.

The latest on the saga are is that the FIA is making the teams answer to the following charges:

1. Failing to ensure they had a supply of suitable tyres for the race
2. Wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race
3. Wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to race subject to a speed restriction in one corner which was safe for such tyres as were available
4. Combining with other teams to make a demonstration damaging to the image of Formula One by pulling into the pits immediately before the start of the race.

The first charge is reasonable as they are the teams that run and test with these tyres and as such should have foreseen such a problem - especially given the fact that one of their teams was involved in the accident that saw RS crash last year due to the same tyre failure.

I don't really agree with 2 as the safety of their drivers was paramount.

I agree with 3 as it was an option given to them which was flatly refused.

4 is the most pertinent as what they did was tantamount to hijacking the management of Formula 1. If the teams were that concerned about going on with the show, why were they not open to going slower through the corners that were in dispute. No, they chose to rather abandon their supporters to attempt a show of force to the FIA. Personally I think this had more to do with trying to enforce a breakaway series thanjust the safety of their drivers.

Daz · Post by **Daz** » 22 Jun 2005, 10:41

I reckon its a case of sour grapes. Imagine it was the bridgestone runners that caused this whole debarcle. Then there would be hell to pay. If the non Ferrari supporters are worried, dont be cause the last time I checked the Mclarens and Renualts are contending the chamionship, not Ferrari.

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 11:04

Disappointment………. A word I would like to utter but it can’t really explain the way I feel. I’m disappointed in Michelin…….failing to bring a tyre that would be able to last through a whole race. I’m disappointed in all the Michelin runners failing to run on Sunday 19 June 2005 at Indy. I’m disappointed in everybody pointing fingers everywhere, and in the end failing to see the bigger picture. I’m disappointed in Ferrari supporters, saying they’re happy about 18 points to Ferrari… Note that I’m not disappointed about the 18 points Ferrari got, but because of the way they got it, and supporters saying Michelin runners deserved it because they wanted to change the rules to prevent Ferrari from another championship.

I’m sorry if I said anything bad about Ferrari in the previous posts. And RV you’re right. You can not compare Interlagos 2003 with Indy 2005….it was wrong, and it was mainly because I was grasping for straws. So really sorry……and I hope you all except my apologies. Sorry if I acted like a bad loser…..I’m human.

I will forever remain loyal to my team McLaren, and hope that this whole thing will be resolved without the drivers being penalized.

RVFmal · Post by **RVFmal** » 22 Jun 2005, 11:29

VPII, no real need to apologise as every one has an opinion and has the right to vent their anger which you did.

We are all disappointed in what transpired on Sunday and believe me, as a Ferrari supporter, I am not happy that Ferrari earned their 18 points in the way that they did.

I would have much preferred a race for the points and this means a race with all the runners. Unfortunately some of the drivers have already been penalised (albeit inadvertently). For Kimi and Alonso this could effectively spell the end of their title hopes (assuming that Ferrari come up with a miracle of sorts and win more races this season) which would be a great shame. What would be more of a shame is if Michelin cannot fix the probelm and as such it means more tyre failures at the rest of the tracks.

Whilst the image of F1 has been seriously tarnished, I for one will still support my team and F1 and hope that the rest of the season sees some close racing without politics and mutinous dealings ruining what is still the pinnacle of motorsport.

Post by **Anakha56** » 22 Jun 2005, 11:33

my feeling's are the same as VP's, and i will always support my 3 team's... thankx RV for giving us all the info

RVFmal · Post by **RVFmal** » 22 Jun 2005, 12:29

Anakha56 - 3 teams?

Here is an excerpt from an F1 Analyst which I found to be most impartial.

Below are select quotes from SPEED Channel Formula 1 analyst Peter Windsor from a Sunday night appearance on ‘Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.’ Windsor comments on the Formula 1 debacle, where Michelin teams refused to race at the USGP, citing safety issues for its drivers, leaving the lone F1 event in the U.S. with a six-car field.

Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain airs Sunday nights at 9 on SPEED Channel.

WINDSOR: “I think this business about the Michelin tires being unsafe to race has been exaggerated by the teams and, indeed, by Michelin, because as far as I understand it, they were only considered to be unsafe, by Michelin, on one very specific corner. And talking to a lot of the drivers, there were ways of getting around that corner, reducing the amount of load that was going through it – obviously we are talking about Turn 13, the vertical load. So, I think first of all, we need to be very careful about “the tires were unsafe.” I think they were unsafe, but unsafe when used in a specific way. Beyond that, I am as shattered as anyone else. I love Formula One. I’ve been involved for 30 years and to see that happen on the warm-up lap, the formation lap, all those cars coming in like that, I think it was an absolute disgrace. To be honest, our obligation in this sport, or any sport is to the fans and for that to happen is just appalling.”

“I think the Michelin was naïve in thinking that there would be a solution that falls outside the framework of the Formula One regulations … because they suggested a chicane that makes cars go slower through Turn 13, but that was never going to happen in a million years. The FIA, the governing body of the sport – this is the governing body that disqualifies cars for having a brake duct half a millimeter too large – they are never going to put in a chicane in on race morning, around which the cars are not allowed to practice or do anything at all … equally, there was talk about using another batch of tires, but that was never going to happen either.”

“Tell me where the difference is in what happened today and what might happen at any Grand Prix where there is a sudden downpour and one tire company, on intermediate tires, with no grip at all, everybody spins off on the straight and there is only five cars left in the race. That’s happened before and everyone thinks ‘Wow, what a great race.’ They should have been out there racing and if there are problems, you drive around the problems as best you can. Racers are racers.”

“It’s the teams, these massively paid teams and drivers, who have a responsibility to the fans … not one of those Michelin team guys said ‘We made a horrendous mistake today and we take full responsibility. All they did was blame the FIA, blame Bernie, blame Ferrari, blame Bridgestone, blame everyone else, but they never actually blamed themselves. Do you know how many teams from Michelin actually did the pre-USA tire test to select the correct tire for Indianapolis? … Two – Felipe Massa and Anthony Davidson – everyone else was at Silverstone.”

“One of the watersheds of today was that Bernie Ecclestone stared people in the eye, literally eyeball to eyeball before the race, and said you are going to get in that car and race – not to the drivers, but to the team owners … and they stared him back. At the end of the day, in this particular situation, the eyeballing didn’t work for Bernie. It’s the first time I can remember it not working for him and there will be repercussions.”

“F1 is about people getting out there and going motor racing. We race in the rain. We race in the wind. We race in the hail. We race in the hot weather. And we have tire failures and lots of other terrible things, but that’s what Formula One is all about, for good and for bad.”

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 12:31

RV I agree with you.....and Anakha, what can I say... It's sad, but it happened, and hope that F1 will be back to it's normal self very soon. One thing's sure....Michelin will not make a bugger up like that again....but it might be too late.

And RV thanx for understanding....I appreciate it.

Post by **Anakha56** » 22 Jun 2005, 12:34

thankx for the good read...

yep i support 3 driver's from 3 different team's

Kimi and Mclaren

Alonso and Renault

DC and Red Bull

i have no idea why i support those 3 teams and driver's i just do...

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 12:41

ANd RV what was written there...or said there is well said, but I will say that anybody saying the drivers were wrongs at first glance is wrong... I know that Coult, Jenson, Kimi, Monty and most of the Michelin drivers wanted to race......if they did go out, well that might be another story all together..... It sucks.

RVFmal · Post by **RVFmal** » 22 Jun 2005, 14:02

I should hope that no-one has the audacity to blame the fiasco on the drivers of the teams concerned as they stood to lose as much if not more so than the fans, sponsers concerned.

It is a well known fact that the drivers just wanted to race, but due to the political debacle that it descended into, it was out of their control and left to the team principles and the FIA to manage the affair. They were just carried along for the ride.

The reality is that there was not one alternative that would have appeased everybody and that is why what happened on Sunday happened. There are a number of entities that should carry the balme, first and foremost being Michelin and secondly the FIA and the Teams for letting it decend into a maelstrom of BS.

Let us hope that we as supporters are NEVER again subjected to such a farcical state of affairs in F1 and that they have learned huge lessons on how not to handle situations such as this.

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 14:08

Well said....and I'll drink to that.... Now where's my beer.

Really true what you said that RV....

VoodooProphetII · Post by **VoodooProphetII** » 22 Jun 2005, 16:07

Some of you might have read this before, but if not, do so. It's a loooong section ,but well worth the read...

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_ ... t_id=24918

brabham · Post by **brabham** » 22 Jun 2005, 16:22

Ayrton Senna was a racing driver who gave everything for the sport. As much as I despise the man you can but admire his spirit. Perhaps some of that spirit was needed on Sunday.

RVFmal · Post by **RVFmal** » 23 Jun 2005, 13:01

Warning - Very Long Post:

"Much has been said about the farce that occurred on Sunday, June 19, in Indianapolis, and I feel that in the interests of transparency, it would be worthwhile for someone who was actually present, and participated in the discussions leading up to the start of the Grand Prix, to provide a truthful account of what took place, both for the 100,000-plus fans who were present, and for the hundreds of millions of people watching on television around the world.

While this is a genuine attempt to provide a factual timeline of the relevant events that took place, should any minor detail or sequence be disputed, it will not, in my opinion, affect in any way this account of events that led up to arguably the most damaging spectacle in the recent history of Formula One.

Background

For those who have not followed the recent political developments in Formula One, it is fair to say that, for over a year now, the majority of teams have felt at odds with the actions of the FIA and its President, Max Mosley, concerning the regulations, and the way in which those regulations have been introduced, or are proposed to be introduced. Not a weekend has gone by where some, or all, of the teams are not discussing or disputing these regulations. This is so much the case that it is common knowledge the manufacturers have proposed their own series commencing January 1, 2008, and this is supported by at least two of the independent teams. The general perception is that, in many instances, these issues have become personal, and it is my opinion that was a serious contributory factor to the failure to find a solution that would have allowed all 20 cars to compete in Sunday’s United States Grand Prix.

The Facts

Friday, June 17
I noticed that Ricardo Zonta’s Toyota had stopped, but in all honesty, did not pay any attention to the reasons why; however, I actually witnessed Ralf Schumacher’s accident, both on the monitors, and more significantly, I could see what took place from my position on the pit wall. This necessitated a red flag, and in the numerous replays on the monitors, it looked very much like the cause of the accident was a punctured rear tyre.

Throughout the afternoon, numerous people in the paddock suggested it was a tyre failure and commented that it was similar to the serious accident which befell Ralf Schumacher during the 2004 US Grand Prix. Later that evening was the first time I was aware of a potential problem with the Michelin tyres at this event. In all honesty, I didn’t pay a great deal of attention, as our team is on Bridgestone tyres.

Saturday, June 18
On arriving at the circuit, the word throughout the paddock was that there was a potential problem with the rear tyres supplied to all Michelin teams for this event, and it became evident as the first and second sessions were run that most of the affected teams were being very conservative with the amount of on-track running they were doing. In addition, Toyota announced that it had substituted Ricardo Zonta for Ralf Schumacher, who would take no further part in the event. Speculation was rife in the paddock that some Michelin teams might not take part in qualifying. Also, during the practice session, I was informed there would be a Team Principals’ meeting with Bernie Ecclestone at 1430 hrs after qualifying, which I incorrectly assumed would centre around the Michelin issue.

Qualifying took place, and indeed, all 20 cars qualified for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

At approximately 1420 hrs, I attended Bernie’s office, and with representatives present from all other teams, including Ferrari, the meeting commenced. Surprisingly, the main topic of conversation was the number of events and calendar for 2006, followed by a suggestion that a meeting be convened at the next Grand Prix to discuss two issues only – firstly, a proposal for a single-tyre supplier in Formula One, and secondly, whether or not it would be desirable to qualify with or without a race fuel load in 2006. Only at the very end of the meeting did the Michelin tyre issue arise, and in fairness, it was not discussed in any great detail. I personally found this strange, but as I have stated, it did not affect Minardi directly, and therefore I had no reason to pursue the matter.

Throughout Saturday evening, there was considerable speculation in the paddock that the tyre issue was much more serious than at first thought, and people were talking about a fresh shipment of tyres being flown overnight from France, and what penalty the Michelin teams would take should those tyres be used. By the time I left the paddock, people were taking bets on Minardi and Jordan scoring points!

Later that evening, I checked with our Sporting Director on what developments had occurred, and was told that the issue was indeed very serious, and the possibility existed that the Michelin teams would not take part in the race.

Sunday, June 19
I arrived at the circuit at 0815 hrs, only to find the paddock was buzzing with stories suggesting the Michelin teams would be unable to take part in the Grand Prix. I was then handed a copy of correspondence between Michelin, the FIA, and the Michelin teams that revealed the true extent of the problem. By now, journalists were asking if Minardi would agree to a variation of the regulations to allow the Michelin teams to compete, and what penalties I felt would be appropriate.

A planned Minardi press briefing took place at 0930 hrs, and as it was ending, I was summoned to an urgent meeting, along with Jordan, with Bernie Ecclestone, the two most senior Michelin representatives present at the circuit, IMS President Tony George, Team Principals, and technical representatives from the Michelin teams. At this meeting, Michelin, to its credit, admitted that the tyres available were unable to complete a race distance around the Indianapolis circuit without a change to the track configuration, so as to reduce the speed coming out of the last turn onto the banking. Much background information was provided as to the enormous efforts that Michelin, with support from its teams, had undertaken in the preceding 48 hours to try and resolve the problem, but it was clear that all those efforts had failed to produce a suitable solution that wouldn’t involve support from the non-Michelin teams, and ultimately, the FIA.

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

Based on this press release it seems as if Mr Stoddard is a little upset with what happened in Australia and is trying to get his own back. If he was that against the Michelin runners not being "allowed" to race, why then did he line up on the grid along with the other 2 teams. It is tripe that Brigestone forced him to. If he was really a man of conviction he would have said sod it and joined the Michelin runners in the pits.

Strange how in his statements he makes very little mention of the fact that Jordan chose to race, but puts more emphasis that the Ferrari's did.

To me it seems that he has an axe to grind and he is trying to grind it on Max Mosely's head.

Post by **Anakha56** » 23 Jun 2005, 13:21

he did say in that press release however that if he didnt race then sanction's would probably have been put on Minardi and you would probably see Minardi in the court room with the Mich team's, although given my state of mind im probablt clutching @ straws for any excuse

a thought just occured to me if the Michi team's did agree to go slower in turn 13 (unlucky number this 1?) and say Kimi in Pos 1 decided to protect his line against Schumi in Pos 2 going through turn 13 is there any safe way to overtake on that turn? if memory serve's its only safe to overtake after the turn. so we could have seen a bridgestone runner flying into the rear of the michi runner's if the mis judged the speed. just a thought...