Below is the release that came from all the Michelin supplied teams after they withdrew from the running of the United States Grand Prix.

The Michelin teams deeply regret the position that they have been put in today and would like to apologise to all the spectators, TV viewers, Formula One fans and sponsors for not being able to take part in today's USA Grand Prix.

Following Ralf Schumacher's accident on Friday morning, we were advised by
Michelin that none of the tyres that were available to the teams could be used
unless the vehicle speed in turn 13 was reduced. Without this Michelin did not
consider the tyre to be safe to be used for the race.

All the teams are confident in Michelin and trust their advice as we know they are competent and responsible and their written instruction to us not to race unless changes to the circuit were made was accepted.

After final data from Michelin became available at 06.30 on Sunday morning it
became clear that Michelin were not able to guarantee the safety of the drivers.
Numerous discussions and meetings took place to find a safe solution to the
problem. Every possibility for the race to go ahead in a safe manner was explored.

The only practical solution was for a chicane to be installed prior to Turn 13 and nine of the teams were prepared to run under these conditions even forgoing
championship points or by allowing non-Michelin teams to take top positions on the grid.

Unfortunately all proposals were rejected by the FIA.

Safety is always the first concern of any team and the FIA. Regrettably the teams
were obliged to follow Michelin's requirements not to race.

We are totally aware that the USA is an important market for Formula One and
there is an obligation for Formula One to promote itself in a positive and
professional manner. It is sad that we couldn't showcase Formula One in the
manner we would have liked today.