By Phil Huff
June 18 2005

The final practice session before qualifying for the United States Grand Prix descended into farce this afternoon, but at least this time the Michelin runners managed to get in a handful of laps. With all bar two Michelin shod drivers electing to avoid the banked final turn in the first session, the second session at least entertained the paying public to some degree.

However, the French manufacturer declared that the teams could run a maximum of 10 laps before bringing the action to a halt. After that, the teams reverted to running through the pit lane, as happened earlier this morning.

The times, therefore, are pretty much meaningless. However, as it stands now Raikkonen went quickest in his McLaren, followed by BAR Honda's Jenson Button. Alonso is third, leading Michael Schumacher, Sato, Fisichella, Trulli and Montoya. Ricardo Zonta, standing in for the injured Ralf Schumacher, who crashed yesterday due to a tyre failure, lines up ninth, ahead of Barrichello. Villeneuve and Massa are 12th and 13th respectively.

Should Michelin fail to get the unanimous agreement needed from the FIA and teams to fly new tyres in to Indianapolis for tomorrow's race, then there will be the very real possibility of only six cars lining up for the United States Grand Prix.

The only hope for Michelin, should they fail in their bid, is for a wet race. Tomorrow's forecast is for higher temperatures and a less than 20% chance of rain.