Paul Stoddart, boss of the Minardi team said of the US Grand Prix "this isn't a race, it's a farce." (F1 Central photo)
This just in (including original reporting from eyewitness Tuck on the scene at Indy):
"This is going to leave a long-lasting bitter taste in people's mouths," said British driver David Coulthard this afternoon as fans at the Formula One race in Indianapolis began leaving the stands in droves. We just got a breathless phone call from Tuck, who is there making his way for the exits, concerned that the situation might get out of hand. Rowdy members of the crowd are throwing beer cans and cursing, and riot police are on the scene. It has to do with tire safety, as reported by EiT:
Only six cars have started the U.S. Grand Prix today after a fiasco over tyre safety has forced the remaining seven teams to pull out after the warm-up lap. Nine teams have earlier said they would only race if an extra chicane was installed for safety reasons because of concern over the durability of Michelin's tyres. "This is going to leave a long-lasting bitter taste in people's mouths," has said British driver David Coulthard. "Quite frankly, as a driver, I'm embarrassed to be involved in this situation. The fact is that mature adults were not able to put on a show for everybody. It's a very sad day for racing." The sport's governing body has ruled out the chicane while champions Ferrari were also against the idea. The six cars that have started the race have been those on Bridgestone tyres, including Ferrari's world champion Michael Schumacher.
Boos have rung out from the stands at the Brickyard track, which were packed with up to 120,000 spectators, as the Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi cars have roared past. Many fans have begun walking out after the early laps of the race which looks certain to end with a Ferrari win, barring mechanical problems. Live television has showed cans on the track, apparently thrown by disgusted fans.
Asks our sis, "Did the fans think they were at a soccer match?"
Comments