US Grand Prix!!!

[CFster]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Couple of thoughts:

1) To blame FIA is absurd. The teams knew the rules, Michelin knew the rules, and when it came to race time it was Michelin who couldn't field a race-worthy tire. To put a chicane in because some of the teams have a tire that can't handle turn 13 would be extremely unsportmanlike (by improving the 14 cars who had Michelins).

That's fine in a perfect world. But where the manufacturers and the FIA are so closely intertwined it would have been in the FIA's best interest to put on a decent race. And putting a chicane in would have made a level playing field for all.

2) Michelin is entirely to blame in this matter--it's not like Indy is a new circuit. They've been here for a long time (long before the U.S. Grand Prix came back), and they know Turn 1 (or Turn 13, I guess) as well as any tire manufacturer. To not have a backup tire that is stronger (albeit less grippy) than the race tires is just stupid. That's what backup tires are for--in case the primaries fail.

They had a backup tire, and determined that they were at the same risk. And by backup tire, we're not talking stronger, only a different compound (soft vs. hard for grip). This is the same at every Grand Prix. There's no such thing as a "stronger" tire - don't confuse harder with stronger.

3) I feel really awful for the fans. This is just the worst thing that could have ever happened, at one of the newest and finest race circuits in F1. I hope they come back next year. I hope the fans can find it in their hearts to forgive them. I know I'm really trying hard to

Not the finest circuit in F1 - not by a long shot. It's more about the event at Indy, not the circuit - which many drivers have described as unimaginative. They repaved the track this year, and botched it. They also displayed how lame their safety crew was last year when Ralf sat in a crashed car for several minutes before they got to him.

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: Grant
I have to agree that this is totally Michelins fault for not providing a tire that would handle the track. YOu have to have feel bad for the fans, because they didn't get to see what was expected. Michelin should face up to their problem and refund the price of the tickets to all the fans.

It isn't Michelin's money to refund. That's up to Tony George and the FIA - we'll see how that fairs out I guess.

Also, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. A few years ago CART refused to race at Texas Motor Speedway because their drivers were starting to black out from the g-forces. I believe they made that decision on the morning of the race.

 

[SSP]

Well that was fscking great. I set the VCR to tape the race so I don?t have to wait till Friday to catch the rerun... and it turn out to see a half legged dog race won by none other then Schumacher.

The amount of money wasted on this event is simply ridiculous. I feel sorry for the fans and the sponsors.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: SCSIRAID

Originally posted by: UNCjigga
Interesting speculation from the commentators: FireStone (tire supplier for NASCAR and Indy) could have learned more about the new surface and turns and shared that information with Bridgestone (sister company) putting them at an advantage over Michelin.

Honestly I don't really think it is Michelin's fault--more a fault of having stupid, stupid rules this year (I could be biased since I was never much of an F1 fan.) But then again, why hadn't they been testing at that track?

Anyways, if Bridgestone teams do get points, this could be ugly. Michelin could pull their support of F1, and if France follows suit then imagine if Renault pulls out this season!!! :Q

Firestone doesnt supply tires to NASCAR. Goodyear does. All NASCAR teams run Goodyear by rule.

I dont consider this Michelins fault either. Michelin had a concern for safety and asked for a rules break to replace the tires or a track adjustment to slow the max cornering speeds. FIA declined both requests. There is enough risk in the sport without the possibility of defective tires. Seems like we should be applauding Michelin for putting the drivers safety first.

If the FIA agreed to Michelin's request what's to stop Bridgestone from bringing a qualifying tire for the next race, then telling the FIA that it's unsafe so they can bring in a race tire? Where do you draw the line?

Bridgestone was in a world of crap earlier this year and no one gave them any hand outs. Michelin was supposed to bring back up tires in case something goes wrong with the primary tire but their primary and backup are the same tires supposedly.

Bridgestone's 'world of crap' is a result of only supplying 3 teams. They have 1/4 the testing time under their belt while Michelin has 7 teams testing their tires. More data = clear advantage. The trouble is making a competetive tire that will last a race. Michelin supplied tires for this race in previous seasons with no problems. I think the one set of tires for the entire weekend rule is a bad one and a dangerous one. I think that rule is what caused the debacle today.

I still love F1 and will continue to watch but they really need to change that rule. It just isn't safe...and I've been saying that all season.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: CFster

Not the finest circuit in F1 - not by a long shot. It's more about the event at Indy, not the circuit - which many drivers have described as unimaginative. They repaved the track this year, and botched it. They also displayed how lame their safety crew was last year when Ralf sat in a crashed car for several minutes before they got to him.

Agreed, hell Montreal owns Indy as far as circuits go. Spa is one of my all time favorites though. Monza is also great. Monte Carlo? Suzuka? There is no way in hell Indy is the finest circuit...not even close.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: CFster

Not the finest circuit in F1 - not by a long shot. It's more about the event at Indy, not the circuit - which many drivers have described as unimaginative. They repaved the track this year, and botched it. They also displayed how lame their safety crew was last year when Ralf sat in a crashed car for several minutes before they got to him.

Agreed, hell Montreal owns Indy as far as circuits go. Spa is one of my all time favorites though. Monza is also great. Monte Carlo? Suzuka? There is no way in hell Indy is the finest circuit...not even close.

I say bring it over here...

*cough* Long Beach *cough*

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: CFster

Not the finest circuit in F1 - not by a long shot. It's more about the event at Indy, not the circuit - which many drivers have described as unimaginative. They repaved the track this year, and botched it. They also displayed how lame their safety crew was last year when Ralf sat in a crashed car for several minutes before they got to him.

Agreed, hell Montreal owns Indy as far as circuits go. Spa is one of my all time favorites though. Monza is also great. Monte Carlo? Suzuka? There is no way in hell Indy is the finest circuit...not even close.

I say bring it over here...

*cough* Long Beach *cough*

I go to Long Beach every year. God I wish it was a Formula One event. That will never happen though. Even if it did I don't think it would be as great as it was. There are no elevation changes and the track, in its current layout, offers almost no overtaking opportunities.

Where do you live?

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: CFster

Not the finest circuit in F1 - not by a long shot. It's more about the event at Indy, not the circuit - which many drivers have described as unimaginative. They repaved the track this year, and botched it. They also displayed how lame their safety crew was last year when Ralf sat in a crashed car for several minutes before they got to him.

Agreed, hell Montreal owns Indy as far as circuits go. Spa is one of my all time favorites though. Monza is also great. Monte Carlo? Suzuka? There is no way in hell Indy is the finest circuit...not even close.

I say bring it over here...

*cough* Long Beach *cough*

I go to Long Beach every year. God I wish it was a Formula One event. That will never happen though. Even if it did I don't think it would be as great as it was. There are no elevation changes and the track, in its current layout, offers almost no overtaking opportunities.

Where do you live?

Who cares... at the least it would be just as the bad as Indy. They're only at the Brickyard because it's better known... even though the layout sucks.

I live in Hollywood, the last time I was at Long Beach was before Penske jump shipped... if F1 ever does move back here... I'm getting a hotel for the weekend every year

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: CFster

Not the finest circuit in F1 - not by a long shot. It's more about the event at Indy, not the circuit - which many drivers have described as unimaginative. They repaved the track this year, and botched it. They also displayed how lame their safety crew was last year when Ralf sat in a crashed car for several minutes before they got to him.

Agreed, hell Montreal owns Indy as far as circuits go. Spa is one of my all time favorites though. Monza is also great. Monte Carlo? Suzuka? There is no way in hell Indy is the finest circuit...not even close.

I say bring it over here...

*cough* Long Beach *cough*

I go to Long Beach every year. God I wish it was a Formula One event. That will never happen though. Even if it did I don't think it would be as great as it was. There are no elevation changes and the track, in its current layout, offers almost no overtaking opportunities.

Where do you live?

Who cares... at the least it would be just as the bad as Indy. They're only at the Brickyard because it's better known... even though the layout sucks.

I live in Hollywood, the last time I was at Long Beach was before Penske jump shipped... if F1 ever does move back here... I'm getting a hotel for the weekend every year

Yeah, I used to get pit access passes every year. Last few years it's been general admission. It's just a guys weekend. Lots of booze, cigars and good food.

I have two good friends who live in Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. I just stay with them every year when I drive up from San Diego.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Did fans actually throw debris on the track while the race was going? If so that's awful, borderline criminal behavior, regardless of the awful state of the race.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: Krk3561
If I was at that race I would be so pissed

I drove in for the race from Detroit. Spent some good coin on race tix and of course got gouged for my hotel room. I've attended all the USGP races run beginning with the Detroit races in the 80's. I'm pissed......if there is a USGP race next year, I surely won't waste a nickle of my money on it.......morons! :disgust:

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Fans are booing and giving thumbs down.

Wow, horrible turn of events.

Yeah, I'd be pissed if I traveled all the way to IN and bought expensive tickets, only to have this happen. So much for the US GP.

My race tix were only $300 for the pair and basically the best seats in the house for grandstand seats. Small change compared to the cost of the rest of my trip.

 

[boyRacer]

CART just said anyone with a USGP ticket stub gets into the Cleveland race. Nice move... even if it maybe a bit useless to some... :thumbsup:

Looks like any form of racing is looking better than F1 to americans right now... lol.

 

[SSP]

Originally posted by: DonVito
Did fans actually throw debris on the track while the race was going? If so that's awful, borderline criminal behavior, regardless of the awful state of the race.

Barrichello ran over a water bottle. They were throwing beer cars and other sh!t on to the track.

It?s distasteful, but considering how much time and money people spent going to the event... you can sort of feel their frustration. I'm not condoning what they did though.

 

[KokomoGSTmp]

Watching Wind Tunnel, a caller mentioned a good point about the FIA and it's continued push to make F1 "cheap" to run. This whole Michelin crap might be a precursor to a new series (read GPWC) where the manufacturers can continue development and the cars can continue to push the performance envelope.

The more I think about F1, the more I'm starting to turn to WRC as my motorsport of choice.

 

[DannyBoy]

Originally posted by: spherrod
ITV (UK) don't think the race will go ahead with any Michelin teams

Slough town where everyone is brown :music:

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: KokomoGSTmp
Watching Wind Tunnel, a caller mentioned a good point about the FIA and it's continued push to make F1 "cheap" to run. This whole Michelin crap might be a precursor to a new series (read GPWC) where the manufacturers can continue development and the cars can continue to push the performance envelope.

The more I think about F1, the more I'm starting to turn to WRC as my motorsport of choice.

The problem with WRC is that I'm a Subaru/Solberg fan... and right now Loeb and Citroen is kicking everyone's ass.

MotoGP is certainly growing in popularity, even more now after what happened in the US GP today.