Michelin Steps Up

[maxnix]

Michelin Offers Ticket Refunds Over Boycotted U.S. Grand Prix

Jun 28, 6:14 PM (ET)

By ASHLEY M. HEHER

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Tire manufacturer Michelin offered Tuesday to refund money to those who bought tickets for the U.S. Grand Prix, which was boycotted by seven Formula One teams after the company decided its tires were unsafe at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Michelin also said it would buy 20,000 tickets for the 2006 race to be given to those who attended the June 19 race during which only six of the typical 20 drivers participated.

"Michelin deeply regrets that the public was deprived of an exciting race and therefore wishes to be the first, among the different groups involved in the Indianapolis race, to make a strong gesture towards the spectators," the company said.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman Ron Green said the track was not notified about the refund until 30 minutes before Michelin issued its statement.

"We're very encouraged by what they released today," Green said. "Finally, they're acknowledging that they will provide for the fans what the fans deserve. That's all we'd hoped for."

Green said the speedway expects to be asked to administer the refunds. He told fans to "sit tight" and await more information. Green said all fans who purchased tickets would be eligible for the refund.

Reserved seat tickets for this month's race ranged from $75 to $150. The speedway does not release attendance figures for any of its races, but media reports estimated the U.S. Grand Prix crowd at 100,000.

Michelin's refund offer for this year's race could cost the company about $10 million if 100,000 ticket holders seek refunds at an average of $100 each. A similar average ticket price could cost the company $2 million for the 2006 race tickets it offered to buy.

Two Michelin tires failed during practice sessions two days before the race - one causing a wreck that prevented Ralf Schumacher from competing.

Nine of the 10 teams, excluding Ferrari, proposed to run the race if a series of turns was installed to slow cars on a high-speed part of the course. Ferrari and FIA, the sport's ruling body, rejected the possible compromise, with FIA president Max Mosley saying he would not change the rules because some teams brought the wrong equipment.

Michelin said it believed the FIA's decision was "totally incomprehensible and reflects a lack of respect for the spectators."

"The reality is that together, Michelin and its partners have done everything possible to assure that the race could take place in total safety," the company said. "We are extremely disappointed that the proposals made with all our teams were not accepted. These proposals, including a chicane, were technically viable and totally met all safety requirements."

One has to admire Michelin's position after the recent USGP F1 deabacle. This action goes way beyond their repsonsibility under all but the most punitive judgements.

Sorry the other thread was locked.

Thanks for saving us from ourselves, NismoFreak! We were so in over our heads! We just are not smart enough to think for ourselves! It's so dangerous!

[hannibal]

Wow, an expensive, but worthy remedy...

[Exar-Kun]

Everyone seems to forget, this is exactly what the FIA presedent said he "would like to see happen" from Michelin.

Michelin is facing some serious criticizm from both the F1 fans and the FIA..probably the best analogy on the situation was given by the FIA president:

"The best analogy I can give is a downhill ski race. Suppose half the competitors at a downhill race arrive with short slalom skis instead of long downhill skis and tell the organizer to change the course because it would be dangerous to attempt the downhill with their short skis. They would be told to ski down more slowly. To make the competitors with the correct skis run a completely different course to suit those with the wrong skis would be contrary to basic sporting fairness."

Good call. EIther way, I'm glad Michelin is doing what they should to help remedy the situation. I like Micehlin tires, but I still think they need to come more clean, and not keep pointing the finger at the FIA..after all...the track wans't faulty for Indy, nor for any other team....

-Chet

[ralphdig]

A step in the right direction.By the way Michelin stocks went down after Indy. Anything to do whith refunds move?

[Nismo_Freak]

A step in the right direction.By the way Michelin stocks went down after Indy. Anything to do whith refunds move?

Doubt it... more than likely people jumping ship fearing another Firestone public fiesta.

[SmithSR]

Thanks Maxnix now I have to eat my words about Michelin would 'never' refund money to fans for the race.

[eddiec]

sure would be nice to get some money back since i already renewed my seats for next year.

if they do follow through and refund, it will end up costing some serious money.