USGP's Fate Now in the Hands of Ferrari

World Champions Ferrari now appear to hold the fate of the United States Grand Prix in their hands after their rival teams all agreed for a chicane to be erected before the final corner

Jonathan Noble Jun 19, 2005, 4:57 PM

Following a series of meetings at Indianapolis on Sunday morning, every team apart from Ferrari gave their approval for the chicane to be erected in a bid to lower speeds at the final corner because of Michelin's concerns about tyre safety.

Ferrari were not present at the meetings and sources at Indianapolis have suggested that the team have been handed an ultimatum by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone - approve their rival teams' plans or the United States Grand Prix will be run as a non-Championship race.

Michelin teams are adamant that they will not race unless modifications to the circuit are made - although the FIA has so far rejected calls for the move.

Ferrari have begun preparations for the race, with the pitlane opening in half an hour. But when asked moments ago whether the team would race if a chicane is installed in Turn 13, technical director Ross Brawn told Autosport-Atlas: "I don't know the answer to that."