I think this is B.S.. I found this on Itv-f1.com Formula 1s warring factions could be heading for reconciliation as reports suggest that the FIA is on the verge of overturning its guilty verdict in the case of the Michelin teams' actions at Indianapolis. McLarens Ron Dennis and Red Bulls Christian Horner are due to meet with FIA president Max Mosley in Monaco tomorrow. Autosport reports that the team bosses will provide new evidence about the US Grand Prix situation that will lead the FIA to scrap its original verdict. All seven Michelin teams were found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute by not bringing suitable tyres to the US Grand Prix and then refusing to start the race. Their punishment was due to be announced in September. The teams had already decided to appeal against the verdict. An emergency FIA senate hearing has now been called to consider the new evidence tomorrow. This latest development comes as tensions thaw between the opposing parties in F1 politics. Relations between Mosley and the manufacturer/Michelin teams had been tense all season and the situation worsened after the Indianapolis debacle. There was even speculation that the teams would attempt to oust Mosley from his presidential role. But earlier this week Renaults Flavio Briatore praised Mosleys work and hoped that the FIA, the Michelin teams, Ferrari and Bernie Ecclestone could co-operate on securing a strong and unified future for F1. Mosley has also made concessions to the teams, asking for their advice on how to deal with the thorny issue of reducing costs while maintaining F1s status on the cutting edge of automotive technology.
I haven't really had the time to check things out of my bomb shelter as I anticpate the NASA shuttle being pulled for its use of tires or asking for a chicane to be put in. Last time I looked at ITV they just said the FIA was going to give the Michelin teams some sort of penalty. I don't get it, there has yet to be a formal meeting, no set penalty yet, yet the teams are saying "well whatever it is, if its this or that, umm, we'll fight it." I guess Im blinded by the talk of the tire manufacturer doing a rebate program to the disgruntled ticket holders. But since this penalty is all talk right now, I ask two things... one: What is Michelin going to fight when it isn't even there yet? two: Why can't they (both FIA and Michelin) just move on? RocketBoy
The debacle triggered by the Michelin teams withdrawal from the USGP came to a sudden solution this Friday, as an emergency meeting of the FIA Senate has lifted the World Motor Sport Councils guilty verdict on the matter, proclaiming the squads innocent over the Indy events. Following receipt of a dossier of new evidence relating to events at the 2005 United States Grand Prix submitted to the FIA by BAR, McLaren, Renault, Sauber, Toyota and Williams, the FIA Senate met in Monaco on July 14," the governing body stated on a press release today. McLaren's Ron Dennis attended the meeting representing the six manufacturer-backed Michelin teams, while independents Red Bull sent their own principal, Christian Horner. Having examined the new evidence and discussed it with Mr Dennis and Mr Horner, the Senate was satisfied that the teams were contractually bound to follow the instructions of their tire supplier and that their tire supplier had expressly prohibited them from racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in its licensed configuration. Recognizing that for both sporting and legal reasons it was impossible for the FIA to authorize a change to the circuit configuration and that both the FIA and the teams could have faced serious legal difficulties in the United States had they not observed to the letter their respective rules and contractual obligations (particularly had there been any kind of accident), the Senate was of the view that having regard to this new evidence, disciplinary proceedings against the teams had ceased to be appropriate and were no longer in the interest of the sport. As a result, the Senate has effectively lifted the guilty verdict of June 29, recommending its cancellation to the WMSC. A fax vote in the next few days will make the FIAs decision official.
So F1 takes a black eye and now no one is at fault. No accountability. Incredible. But then again with Flavio kissing max's ass earlier this week, who's surprised? That was the writing on the wall. What a circus F1 is.
Whose Friday? FIA is headquartered in Europe, where it is still Thursday. At any rate the only logic and fair outcome. Finally somebody had a brain at FIA.
Michelin still is mainly and a majority at fault. I think they have admitted so much with refunding tickets and buying 20k for next year.
This is frustrating... FIA is worried about a split, so they appease the teams by saying that they are not guilty. Again, they are thinking of themselves and not the fans. As a fan, for me to hear this, they are saying no-one else is at fault except for the one that said ooops (Michelin). If the teams were not at fault, then shouldn't MAX admit that it is his fault for not compromising. They are all together in this circus, the teams, FIA, Michelin. Collaboratively, they should make an agreement to repair the damage and finger point later.
Frustrating it is for us fans because it takes the incentive away for the teams to make up. Just it is however. The teams could not be found guilty because they were in a pickle legally (for details read the press release). Michelin is guilty, but FIA does not have jurisdiction over them in this case. They are not saying that nobody is at fault, they simply say the teams cannot be accused for this mess (which is true, the blame falls on Michelin). I think FIA finally read its own words and realized how utterly ridiculous their suggestion was that the teams should have driven through the pits every lap to remain safe. That suggestion will remain a classic moment forever to remember the year 2005.
