Michelin, the world's largest tire-maker, said a lack of on-track testing and an insufficient computer model caused the design problems that forced seven teams to withdraw from the disastrous US Grand Prix at Indianapolis. The tyre manufacturer has offered to buy 20,000 tickets for the 2006 race to be given to fans who bought tickets for this year's US Grand Prix. It is hoped that Michelin's gesture may reduce the risk of the teams being heavily sanctioned by Formula One's governing body, the FIA. A statement released by the company read: "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 race, to make a strong gesture towards the spectators."
However Max Mosley, the chairman of the FIA, has reacted angrily to claims from Michelin that it did everything in its power to prevent the fiasco. In a letter to Michelin chief executive Edouard Michelin, Mosley reportedly wrote: "You failed to bring a back-up tyre to the event and your representatives apparently refused to countenance any solution other than a chicane."
Seven Formula One teams - Renault, McLaren, Toyota, Williams, Red Bull, Sauber and BAR - refused to race over safety concerns and consequently faced a disciplinary hearing in Paris, over charges of bringing the sport into disrepute. They were found guilty of 2 of the 5 charges. The teams 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. The seven were also found guilty by the world governing body of wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race. They were cleared of refusing to race subject to a speed restriction, combining to make a demonstration and failing to inform the stewards of their intention not to start. The FIA said they had decided to adjourn discussion of any penalties until a meeting on September 14. The teams face having some of their championship points docked.
Michelin will not have a penalty imposed on them because the FIA has no contract with them, only the teams that are supplied by them.
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