By BMW Sauber F1 Team
June 30 2006

The 2005 US Grand Prix is still well remembered in the world of Formula One. In this race, all the teams supplied with Michelin tyres were forced to pull out of the race for safety reasons. Jacques Villeneuve describes the situation the teams had to cope with at the time.

The reason for the problems of the Michelin tyres was a new track surface in the banked corner, which had been provided with grooves as it had turned out to be too slippery. In these conditions, the French tyre manufacturer was simply unable to guarantee the necessary safety and recommended that all seven teams on Michelin tyres retire before the race even started.

"Well, there was no choice last year," explains Jacques. "Once it was known there was a problem we couldn't carry on. So it's not a question of boycotting. We tried to find solutions. There just was no choice basically."

The Canadian understands the tyre manufacturer's position and reaction. "Last year was quite damaging," the 35-year old admits, "but I think Michelin took care of everyone. It cost them an arm and a leg but hopefully the compensation that everybody got was worth it and if there's a very good show this year I'm sure that part of last year can be cleansed a bit."