After the shame of the day before, Formula One awoke Monday to begin counting the cost of what is being described as "the most catastrophic public relations disaster in the 56-year history of the official world championship." Or, to put it another way, F1's darkest hour.
The sight of 14 F1 cars pulling off the track at the end of the formation lap for the U.S. Grand Prix and returning to the Indianapolis pits instead of racing is already being regarded as the death knell of the sport in the American market.
"Simply stated, this race is done. Forget what the contract says about future events," read the Indianapolis Star's obituary.
Tellingly, Speedway president Joie Chitwood immediately announced that the circuit held no commitment to invite F1 back in 2006.
http://msn.foxsports.com/motor/story/3704474
The sight of 14 F1 cars pulling off the track at the end of the formation lap for the U.S. Grand Prix and returning to the Indianapolis pits instead of racing is already being regarded as the death knell of the sport in the American market.
"Simply stated, this race is done. Forget what the contract says about future events," read the Indianapolis Star's obituary.
Tellingly, Speedway president Joie Chitwood immediately announced that the circuit held no commitment to invite F1 back in 2006.
http://msn.foxsports.com/motor/story/3704474
