In view of
the situation that took place at
today’s United States Grand Prix
at Indianapolis, the
Minardi F1 Team made
released only the following
comment after the conclusion of
the race:
PAUL
STODDART, Team Principal
“First of all, our sincere
apologies go out to the race
fans, both here at Indianapolis
and indeed, around the world,
for the farce that took place at
Indianapolis this afternoon.
This really was a time when
Formula One needed to put sport
above politics, but sadly, this
did not occur. Earlier on
today, nine of the 10 competing
teams had agreed that, in the
interests of safety, a temporary
chicane needed to be placed
before the final turn, and that
unless that took place, the nine
teams would not compete.
“This idea
was rejected by FIA President,
Max Mosley, and in no uncertain
terms, the teams were told that,
should this occur, there would
be no race.
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Minardi - 2005 United
States Grand Prix |
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Minardi - 2005 United
States Grand Prix |
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“This, in my opinion, is clearly not
in the interests of the sport, the American public, or
Formula One fans around the world. I have complete sympathy
with the Michelin teams, and can take neither satisfaction
from, nor interest in, this afternoon’s race, if you can
call it that. For the avoidance of doubt, Minardi only
participated when it became clear that Jordan had changed
its decision to compete from this morning. I sincerely hope
that valuable lessons are taken away from here today before
we destroy the sport we love with politics. A solution,
which would have allowed the United States Grand Prix to
have proceeded unaffected today existed, but was resisted by
the FIA and not supported by Ferrari, who claimed it was not
their problem.”
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