F1 braced for FIA's Indy punishment
World governing body the FIA will hand down their verdict on the Indianapolis debacle in Paris tomorrow, with Formula One braced for a backlash if seven teams are dealt a harsh punishment.
The seven teams hauled before the FIA’s world motorsport council – Renault, McLaren, Williams, Toyota, Red Bull, Sauber and BAR – are charged with bringing the sport into disrepute for refusing to race at Indianapolis on June 19.
They pulled out en masse on the warm-up lap after Michelin warned their tyres were unsafe. Talks to find a compromise, including the possibility of installing a chicane at the troublesome last corner, failed.
FIA president Max Mosley insists there will be no witch-hunt, saying: “We will listen carefully to what the teams have to say.
“There are two sides to every story and the seven teams must have a full opportunity to tell theirs.
"The atmosphere will be calm and polite. The world motorsport council members come from all over the world and will undoubtedly take a decision that is fair and balanced.”
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, whose team are not involved in this dispute as they use Bridgestone rubber, prompted fears of reprisals at the weekend.
The Australian claimed a harsh penalty from the FIA could see races boycotted in revenge.
