IMS, Michelin Roll Out Refund Process

The French company agreed to refund race day tickets and pay for the first 20,000 in 2006, provided the race takes place next year.

All tickets purchased for race day are eligible for the refund.

"By working with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we've created a thorough and quick process to reach out to all those fans present at the United States Grand Prix and offer them the face value refund of their race day ticket," said Jim Micali, chairman and president of Michelin North America.

"In addition to the ticket refund, we will provide 20,000 tickets to the 2006 US GP at Indianapolis to dedicated fans who purchased tickets to this year's race.  We hope through these gestures to encourage the further development of F1 in the United States."

The ticket refund will be administered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, who will announce details of the process and claim forms for individual ticket holders on their website, at the IMS ticket office, or on request by phone.

"Although many different parties had an influence on the race run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June 19, Michelin has made a tremendous commitment to the fans of the United States Grand Prix," said IMS President and CEO Joie Chitwood.

"We've been working closely with Michelin to work out the details of the ticket refund process and we commend them on their commitment to a speedy and full response to the fans."

Details of the 2006 Michelin ticket distribution process are being finalized and will be announced after the calendar for 2006 has been released by the FIA.