Formula One Fans v Formula One and Michelin Tire Company
Class Action Lawsuit Filed in Formula One Fiasco
Larry Bowers, a Colorado resident, has filed a class action lawsuit against the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Formula One Group, Formula One Administration, Michelin Tires and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway following Sunday's United States Grand Prix.
Bowers filed the suit claiming the 2005 USGP was fraudulent after 14 of the 20 drivers pitted and withdrew after the formation lap of the race because of a dispute surrounding the use of Michelin tires on the track.
The lawsuit claims Formula One, the FIA, Michelin, the teams equipped by Michelin and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway forged an agreement allowing the Michelin teams to participate in the formation lap and then exit the track prior to the start of the race.
The lawsuit reads "the alleged 'race' participated by just three teams did not constitute a true grand prix race under FIA and Formula One rules in that the race was started with an insufficient number of participants."
Bowers, who bought five tickets to this year's race and has been a USGP ticket holder since its inception in 2000, is looking to receive a refund for the tickets as well as other costs paid toward attending the USGP.
The controversy failed to dissuade some fans from renewing their tickets for next year's race. Others, however, were there to ask for refunds. Speedway officials were not offering refunds, but did take note of those requesting their money back.
At a late-afternoon press conference, Speedway President Joie Chitwood said track officials will make a decision on refunds and next year's race that takes into account the economic impact on the city, the region and the fans.
"We think America is a great market (for F-1) and we like the fact Indianapolis can play host to it," he said. "I think the U.S. Grand Prix has been good not only for us but for the fans. And I think everyone here in the city would say the same thing."
Chitwood gave no timetable for any decisions by the Speedway. Formula One's governing body has called the teams using Michelin tires to a hearing on June 29 to discuss the matter.
