Stirling Moss comments on US GP

Sir Stirling Moss Comments on 2005 United States Formula One Grand Prix
British racing legend "embarrassed" for the sport after seven teams withdraw from race just prior to the green flag.

LONDON, ENGLAND, June 20, 2005 Sir Stirling Moss, one of Britain's most popular and admired motor racing figures and a noted sportsman, has made public his thoughts on the 2005 United States Grand Prix held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race was turned into a farce when, just moments before the start of the race, all team using Michelin tires withdrew from the contest. This left only six cars on the grid, all shod with Bridgestones, including the Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi teams.

"This year we have had some truly exciting racing," said Sir Stirling. "After an apology of an event at Indianapolis, I am so embarrassed for Formula 1 that I find impossible to make a realistic comment."

When asked about Michelin's role in the fiasco, Moss commented, "We were let down by Michelin."

Moss went on to speak to the various alternatives floated by the teams and others to run the race, "I can see no reason why a chicane (at turn 13) was not used, so that a good race could have taken place for the spectators, even if it did not count for points."

Moss concluded his remarks by making this observation, "This debacle will be debated for years to come, but the main point is that our sport let a lot of its fans down. In my reasoning, they should have come first, after safety."

-racelegends-