MICHELIN TEAMS PULL OUT AT INDIANAPOLIS
Last Updated: Sunday, 19, June, 2005, 19:18
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The United States Grand Prix has turned into a sad farce, with all 14 Michelin shod cars pulling straight into the pits at the start of the race.
Only the Ferraris, Jordans, and Minardis lined up on the grid, with Michael Schumacher predictably leading away.
Michelin had announced that its teams would not race unless a chicane was added at turn 13 to slow the entry speed onto the banked corner.
No work was carried out, and Renault, McLaren, Toyota, BAR, Williams, Sauber, and Red Bull all pulled their cars out of the race at the end of the formation lap.
“I have a really horrible feeling in my stomach,†David Coulthard told ITV's Louise Goodman.
“It's quite remarkable that we couldn't find a resolution in the interests of the sport.
“This is going to leave a long-lasting bitter taste in people's mouths.
“As a driver, I'm embarrassed, but we were acting under instruction from Michelin on safety grounds.â€