Tyre fiasco ruins Indy GP

United States Grand Prix Review

Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barichello took home easy championship points in the USA Grand Prix in Indianapolis this weekend, finishing first and second in a race where all 14 cars running on Michelin tyres were forced to withdraw before the start of the race.

Jordan’s Tiago Montero finished in third place for his first ever podium finish, ahead of his team mate Narain Karthikeyan and both Minardi drivers – all of whom claimed championship points they would only dream of in a real race.

Although all teams lined up on the starting grid before the race, the French tyre manufacturer declared the tyres unsafe to drive on during the formation lap, leaving only the Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi teams on the track as the others exited via pit lane.

The decision came after the Michelin team failed to strike a deal with the FIA before the race, that would see a chicane erected in turn 13 to slow the approach to the corner and preserve the tyres.

Although the seven Michelin teams agreed to forgo their championship points, and to let the Bridgestone drivers ahead of them on the starting grid if the chicane was created, the FIA refused to change the track layout, ultimately ruining the day for drivers and spectators alike.

"It is regrettable that our pre-race suggestions, agreed in conjunction with our partner teams, were not adopted," said Michelin in a statement.

"Had our ideas been followed, we could have guaranteed driver safety, the participation of our teams and added interest for the public."

The race was a gift for the struggling Ferrari team, who are now in joint second in team standings, as Schumacher and Barichello move to third and fourth respectively in the driver standings.

How they finished:

1. Michael Schumacher (Ger) Ferrari
2. Rubens Barrichello (Bra) Ferrari
3. Tiago Monteiro (Por) Jordan
4. Narain Karthikeyan (Ind) Jordan
5. Christijan Albers (Ned) Minardi
6. Patrick Friesacher (Aut) Minardi

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