by Ollie Barstow.
Formula One has seen some controversial races in its time but even the most fleeting fans will be likely to remember the 2005 United States Grand Prix for years to come, a race that arguably became the most disgraceful chapter in the sport?s history.
Already struggling to impress an American audience more used to their competitive wheel-to-wheel oval racing, the more corporate driven Formula One came to the legendary Indianapolis circuit in 2000 with the determination to dazzle the spectators with equally exciting races.
However, what was a famous circuit for Formula One soon became infamous when an initially innocent tyre dispute erupted into a full scale pull-out of all seven of the Michelin-shod teams following concerns that their tyres could not withstand Indianapolis? steeply banked curves.
With just six cars taking to the start line in one of the most curious images seen in Formula One history and the remaining 14 cars rolling into the pit lane to retire at the end of the formation lap, it was a shameful moment for a sport that has spent the last 12 months trying to recover from.
Indeed, the United States Grand Prix is the most participated race of the year but that only served to make the boos and jeers louder and with calls from spectators for Formula One never to return, it seemed the sport?s future in such a crucial market for the teams was doomed.
Nonetheless, Formula One has returned and the teams are more determined than ever to rebuild a shattered reputation to the American audience. Their cause will no doubt be aided by the appearance of
Scott Speed, who will give fans some home grown talent to cheer for the first time since 1989.
The main spectacle though will be up at the front, with
Michael Schumacher and
Kimi Raikkonen desperate to end the dominance of
Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard having secured his fourth consecutive lights-to-flag win in Canada.
