USA: Pole Wasted

By Karl King
June 19 2005

After a well-fought battle allowing Jarno Trulli pole position for today's race, the efforts count for nothing. Two tyre failures for Michelin on the Toyota - one putting Ralf out of the GP - forced Michelin to deem their tyres unsafe.

They announced that they had brought wrong spec tyres to the USA so some Barcelona-spec tyres touched down at Indianapolis this morning.

Following orders from the FIA, Michelin shod teams were banned from using these tyres.

The French tyre manufacturer then presented the FIA with an ultimatum - insert a chicane on the straight leading to turn 13 - or see a 2 car race. Two because even Jordan and Minardi - concluding the 'nine' agreed with Michelin.

The FIA again refused.

Right up until the formation lap nobody seemed certain of what was going to happen, until, as they were approaching the pits, the seven Michelin teams pulled in. Jordan and Minardi carried on to the line - an action Paul Stoddart justified by telling that Jordan decided to take part in the race, and as the yellow team are their main rivals, they didn't want to let them get away in the points.

Refund-demanding fans booed Michael Schumacher to the win - the only action after a stop of Schumacher's, where a late-braking Rubens ended up having to take to the grass.

The Brazilian completed a Ferrari 1-2, followed by Tiago Montiero who took his first podium in his rookie season for Jordan, at the age of 28. Indian Narain Kartikeyan lead the Minardi's home with Albers 5th and Freisacher 6th and last.

The results today put Michael and Rubens 3rd and 4th in the championship, pushing Trulli down to fifth. Jordan and Minardi now leave BAR last in the constructors' on 0 points.