Sanctaphrax
29-06-2005, 19:55
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1187370,00.html
FORMULA ONE TEAMS GUILTY
The seven Formula One teams which boycotted the recent US Grand Prix have been found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute.
Fourteen cars were pulled from the Indianapolis starting grid over fears their Michelin tyres might be dangerous.
The resulting race - featuring just six cars - was widely described as a farce and was booed by furious spectators.
Toyota, Renault, McLaren-Mercedes, Williams-BMW, BAR-Honda, Sauber-Petronas and Red Bull-Cosworth were all found guilty of two charges.
Motor racing's governing body - the FIA - cleared them of three other charges after a hearing in Paris.
The seven were found guilty of failing to ensure they were in possession of suitable tyres for the June 19 Grand Prix - but with strong mitigating circumstances.
They were also found guilty of wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race.
Michelin's tyres were found to be "unsuitable" for the circuit's banked final turn.
The seven pulled out of the event at the end of the formation lap in reaction to the FIA's refusal to sanction a temporary chicane on safety grounds.
Absolutely ridiculous. The FIA should be found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute for refusing on all grounds to negotiate. Besides, surely if anyones responsible its Michelin, not the teams it represents?
FORMULA ONE TEAMS GUILTY
The seven Formula One teams which boycotted the recent US Grand Prix have been found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute.
Fourteen cars were pulled from the Indianapolis starting grid over fears their Michelin tyres might be dangerous.
The resulting race - featuring just six cars - was widely described as a farce and was booed by furious spectators.
Toyota, Renault, McLaren-Mercedes, Williams-BMW, BAR-Honda, Sauber-Petronas and Red Bull-Cosworth were all found guilty of two charges.
Motor racing's governing body - the FIA - cleared them of three other charges after a hearing in Paris.
The seven were found guilty of failing to ensure they were in possession of suitable tyres for the June 19 Grand Prix - but with strong mitigating circumstances.
They were also found guilty of wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race.
Michelin's tyres were found to be "unsuitable" for the circuit's banked final turn.
The seven pulled out of the event at the end of the formation lap in reaction to the FIA's refusal to sanction a temporary chicane on safety grounds.
Absolutely ridiculous. The FIA should be found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute for refusing on all grounds to negotiate. Besides, surely if anyones responsible its Michelin, not the teams it represents?