Well, this is different

[dianec42]

Watching the Indianapolis Grand Prix... there are 6 cars competing.

I don't normally use the F word in my journal, but FUCK the FIA for not letting Michelin fix this.

Edit: It turns out the replacement tyres Michelin flew in had the same issue. Doh.

Crisis-hit US Grand Prix

Can't believe any of these idiot announcers are trying to blame the teams for this. (Or that ANYONE is surprised that the audience are throwing things onto the track. Bloody Americans.)

On the bright side, at least 7 points for Minardi... if they finish...

Comments

[tobyaw]

If they finish...

[qidane.livejournal.com]

Was that the lot with all the smoke coming out of the back of the car at the start?

[tobyaw]

What could Michelin have done to fix it? Fly in new tyres? Would any team race a Grand Prix with untested tyres?

[stuartc.livejournal.com]

well, as an update, it seems Michelin weren't able fix the problem. The replacement tyres they flew in had the same fault, and they seem to have neglected to bring a "back-up, lower performance" tyre choice with them; which is apparently part of the regulations.

I agree completely with the team's decision to not race with dangerous tyres, and I agree with the FIA's decision to not put in a chicane on turn 13 to slow everyone down, as that would penalise the Bridgestone-shod teams who were fully compliant with the regulations and safety requirements.

This fiasco is entirely Michelin's fault. I hope they are penalised accordingly.

I also hope the fans in attendance get their money back, and that the fuckwits who are throwing water bottles onto the track get thrown in jail.

So we are left with 2 Ferraris driving around with a few uncompetitive cars following them. Kinda like the 1999-2004 seasons, all over again. :)

[scruffycritter.livejournal.com]

Your initial assessment of FIA is correct.

The drivers would have raced if they added a chicane to turn 13. 9 of the 10 teams agreed to this.

FIA said if they did that, the race wouldn't be sanctioned.

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

In France this was the lead item on radio and TV news on Sunday. It wasn't until we saw the news that we figured out what they were saying (I could pick out Indianapolis, "tire", "rubber", and Michelin, but not enough other words). Watching the tire explode was impressive (though not as impressive as the tire that exploded on Saturday at Le Mans (it took out the rear body work and wing, but the car continued and limped back to the pits on three tires and one chewed up wheel). You could also see that securing the hubs to the chassis with a cable on F1 cars works to limit the potential damage.