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F1 teams 'guilty' over GP pull out
PARIS, France -- Seven teams using Michelin tyres who failed to start this month's U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis were found guilty by the FIA on two of five charges at a hearing in Paris on Wednesday. But Max Mosley, head of the world governing body, said there were 'strong mitigating' circumstances and penalties would only be decided after a special meeting on September 14. The teams were cleared of three other charges in what has proved an embarrassment for Formula One. The seven -- championship leaders Renault, McLaren, Williams, Toyota, Red Bull, Sauber and BAR -- were found guilty of failing to ensure they were in possession of suitable tyres for the June 19 grand prix. They were also found guilty of wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race. The range of penalties for the offenses starts at a reprimand to life bans. The Grand Prix at the 'Brickyard' descended into farce when only six cars took part in the race which was won by Michael Schumacher. His Ferrari team and the other starters run on Bridgestone tires. The seven Michelin teams wanted the FIA to install a temporary chicane on the part of the circuit which placed most pressure on their tires, but this was refused and they pulled out of the race after going out for the parade lap. Thousands of spectators showed their disgust by walking out and are demanding compensation from the race organizers. Michelin, who cannot be sanctioned by the FIA, has offered a $10 million compensation package for the fans, but this has been rejected. "The World Motor Sport Council has decided to adjourn discussion of penalty to an extraordinary meeting, when it will be seen what steps have been taken to compensate the fans," said Mosley. "And also what steps have been taken by the Michelin teams to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. The final decision will then be made after that." The incident has cast a shadow of this season's championship and placed the future of grand prix racing in the United States in doubt. Reuters contributed to this report. 
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