Stoddart: Points don't matter
Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart insists he “took no pride or pleasure” from the seven world championship points they gained from the farcical United States Grand Prix.
Only six cars took part in the race, with 14 others withdrawn after the warm-up lap as tyre manufacturers Michelin warned them against racing for safety reasons.
Dutchman Christijan Albers and Austria’s Patrick Friesacher were fifth and sixth in a race won by seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher but Stoddart was in no mood to celebrate as vitriol from short-changed fans rained down on the track in Indianapolis.
“It did not happen as far as I’m concerned,” the Australian told www.planet-f1.com.
“I don’t care about the points, I’m not in the slightest bit interested, it was a sad day for Formula One.
“The damage is immeasurable ... you wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t want to have another grand prix here and I don’t blame them one little bit.
“I don’t take any pride or pleasure from the points.”
