Indianapolis (USA), 19th June 2005. 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.
