The official World Motor Sport Council decision

29/06/2005
NEWS STORY

Following today’s hearing in Paris the FIA World Motor Sport Council has found the seven Michelin teams:

Guilty of failing to ensure that they were in possession of suitable tyres for the 2005 US Grand Prix; but with strong, mitigating circumstances.

Guilty of wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race, having regard to their right to use the pit lane on each lap.

Not guilty of refusing to race subject to a speed restriction, having regard to the absence of any detailed plan for this.

Not guilty of combining to make a demonstration for the reason that they had hoped to race until the last minute.

Not guilty of failing to inform the Stewards of their intention not to start (Article 131) for the same reason.

The World Motor Sport Council has decided to adjourn discussion of any penalty to an extraordinary meeting of the WMSC to be held on 14 September 2005, when the WMSC will also examine:

What steps have been taken by the seven Michelin teams and/or their tyre supplier to compensate the Formula One fans and repair the damage to the reputation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and to the image of Formula One.

What steps have been taken by the Michelin teams to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.