The end of Formula 1?

[icepenguin66]

check out this press release from Minardi
Minardi press release

There's also a lot of rumors that many of the teams will break away and form their own series, much like the IRL and CART split.

[channelmaniac]

Hopefully it can withstand the egos of the top officials... I'd hate to see F1 disappear.

[blackzx3_13]

I heard Stoddard say on wind tunnel that as long as max mosley is replaced, F1 will stay together. If he stays there will be a split

[icepenguin66]

I heard Stoddard say on wind tunnel that as long as max mosley is replaced, F1 will stay together. If he stays there will be a split

Well, hopefully Mosley is replaced cause I cannot stand that ass. Even before this years US Grand Prix that I wasted my money on.

At least the ALMS is growing strong. Porsche just released a new LMP2 car program and a lot of new Manufactures are joining.

[altiain]

Hey Chris,

If you bought tickets for this year's USGP, you might be interested in this link:

Michelin offers to refund purchase price of all USGP tickets

The press release:

Straight talk and a sincere gesture for the American spectators: It could have been an exciting race.

One week after the Indianapolis Grand Prix, Michelin wishes to make a sincere gesture of goodwill towards the people present at the GP, a group whose passion for F1 is encouraging in the development of this sport in the United States.

Therefore, on our own initiative and in total solidarity with our partners, we have taken two decisions:

1. Michelin has decided to contribute to the costs incurred by the spectators present at the circuit on Sunday June 19th 2005 by offering to refund their tickets. This is an important decision, since Michelin is not at all legally bound to do this.

Michelin deeply regrets that the public was deprived of an exciting race and therefore wishes to be the first, among the different groups involved in the Indianapolis race, to make a strong gesture towards the spectators.

2. Michelin also offers to buy 20,000 tickets for the 2006 U.S. Grand Prix to be given to spectators who were present at the Indianapolis race in 2005. We are offering this to promote further Formula One interest in the United States.

We would also like to take this opportunity to underline the fact that it is unacceptable that our partner teams have been accused by the FIA of having boycotted the Indianapolis Grand Prix. The reality is that together, Michelin and its partners have done everything possible to assure that the race could take place in total safety.

We are extremely disappointed that the proposals made with all our teams were not accepted. These proposals, including a chicane, were technically viable and totally met all safety requirements. On Sunday morning, June 19, the sporting authority had all the means necessary to preserve the interest of the race.

And yet, the sporting authority rejected the proposed solutions. Why? In our view this is totally incomprehensible and reflects a lack of respect for the spectators.

It is the spirit of respect for the spectators that brought us, with our partners, to propose solutions to allow the race to take place in total safety. It is this same spirit that leads us today to make this gesture.

[blackzx3_13]

At least the ALMS is growing strong. Porsche just released a new LMP2 car program and a lot of new Manufactures are joining.

http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Porsche-LMP2.htm

some pics of said porsche

[EvilSpeeder]

Wow. I can't believe Michelin is doing that.

[Treibenschnell]

Wow. I can't believe Michelin is doing that.

I can. Why not, they're shouldering alot of the blame from the public and this is nothing more than a great PR move that does two things - makes them look like saints and re-focuses the fans energy at the FIA.

[onething]

I can. Why not, they're shouldering alot of the blame from the public and this is nothing more than a great PR move that does two things - makes them look like saints and re-focuses the fans energy at the FIA.

An apology never seems as sincere when it ends with " . . . I'm going to make it good, but it wasn't my fault." I'd be much more impressed with Michelin if the press release had stopped before trying to re-focus the fans energy.

[Treibenschnell]

True... but they're not going to admit fault in an open letter to the world. Lawyers would have a field day with that one.

[icepenguin66]

Hey Chris,

If you bought tickets for this year's USGP, you might be interested in this link:
:

Thanks, been trying to keep up on all the sites. Hope they give cash refund instead of vouchers for next years race. My friends and I are thinking of going to the Canadian Grand Prix instead next year, and of course a stop by the Hockey Hall of Fame! :)

[icepenguin66]

http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Porsche-LMP2.htm

some pics of said porsche

Sweet! What is up with the double hump design on some of the LMP2 cars now? They look like they were going to be a 2 seater.

[Titus]

Sweet! What is up with the double hump design on some of the LMP2 cars now? They look like they were going to be a 2 seater.

I was thinking the same thing... perhaps they will help finance them via a pay-per-lap ride-a-long program!

[blackzx3_13]

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=192191

[icepenguin66]

Found this article about Michelin screwing up with the tires....
http://www.motorsport.com/magazine/f...s&D=2005-06-21

That's how I feel. It is the fault of the FIA and Mosley that an actual race did not happen, not the fault of Michelin or the teams.

[POS Racing]

[icepenguin66]

check out the features section on this site: F1 commentary
Great articles discussing who is to blame and why.