Teams want Indy re-run
Formula One teams have offered to return to Indianapolis for a non-championship race at the end of this season to make amends for the United States Grand Prix farce.
American fans were forced to sit through a six-car parade last month at Indianapolis after the seven Michelin-using teams pulled out before the start over safety concerns.
That prompted fury from the 120,000 spectators, many of who besieged circuit officers demanding refunds. Michelin have agreed to that request and offered to buy 20,000 tickets for next year’s race to distribute free of charge.
But the seven teams have, through Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, made an offer to Indianapolis chief Tony George to return to the track for a race on October 23.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis confirmed the suggestion had been made and revealed the decision on whether the idea will be pursued will be taken initially by George.
Dennis said: “The teams at Indianapolis and post-Indianapolis put forward suggestions as to how we should address the issues at Indianapolis and one of those options was to go back to Indianapolis and race free of team costs.
“The suggestion was seriously made. It is possible, the logistics are challenging but possible.
“It was made through Bernie to Indianapolis and it is up to them what they want.”
If such a race did go ahead it is almost certain some if not all of the Bridgestone teas – Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi – would be unwilling to incur extra costs and would therefore refuse to travel.
Mercedes engine chief Norbert Haug conceded the race was “not that likely” but if the plan was finally put into place it would add a 20th race to the calendar and see Formula One race in Japan, China and the United States on three consecutive weekends.
Sir Frank Williams added: “We would lose money but we feel it is what we should do.”
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