28/03/2006
NEWS STORY
The 2005 United States Grand Prix is, quite rightly, looked upon by many as one of the true low points in Formula One's history.
A political situation, masquerading as concern for safety, saw just six cars participate in an event that made Formula One - and its fans - the laughing stock of the sporting world.
Having lined up on the grid, and completed the parade lap, 14 drivers, representing seven teams, returned to their garages, to let Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi 'battle it out'.
TV viewers and fans at the track watched in disbelief as the six drivers contested one of the strangest events in sporting history. Once again, Formula One found its way on to the front pages of newspapers and the TV news, for all the wrong reasons.
Subsequently, tyre manufacturer, Michelin, agreed to reimburse race fans who attended the event, whilst also promising to provide free tickets for this year's race.
Though the event is looked on as one of the true low points in F1 history, a debacle that should be airbrushed from the record books, it appears that the 2005 United States Grand Prix could be in line for a prestigious award.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has revealed that the 2005 US Grand Prix is one of four events nominated for an award.
The other nominations for the Sport Award are The Ashes: England v Australia (Sunset & Vine/Channel 4), the Champions League Final: AC Milan v Liverpool (Granada Sport/ITV1) and the Open Golf Championship - final round of Jack Nicklaus (BBC Sport/BBC2).
This year's BAFTA ceremony will be held on Sunday 7 May 2006 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.