Yard of Bricks a Cause of Concern for GP Start

The famous 'yard of bricks' that runs across the front of the grid at the new Indianapolis Formula One circuit was a cause of concern for drivers on Saturday as they looked ahead to the start of Sunday's United States Grand Prix.

German Michael Schumacher, who had clocked the fastest time of the day for Ferrari, admitted he was concerned that his pole-position advantage could be taken away from him if his car suffered severe wheel-spin on the bricks.

"I don't actually know exactly where the first position is, concerning the yard of bricks. I have to find out if this could be a concern for me.

"It should not be because the leading car, on pole position, should not have any disadvantage from that position. So, I need to make sure that is not the case."

Schumacher's worry arose after Briton David Coulthard, who claimed second place on the grid for McLaren Mercedes-Benz, noted that the pole position was much closer to the bricks.

The bricks, laid into the track, run squarely across the circuit in front of the front row of the grid. They are level with the circuit surface, but are uneven.

Asked about the start, Coulthard said: "Well, the pole is what you prefer. But here I think being on the dusty side is an advantage because it is all about reaction time and not getting too much wheel-spin.

"We just have to wait and see...I think from where I am on the grid, if you look at the starting position for pole, they have concrete blocks right in front of it.

"So, I actually think this will be a disadvantage. So, for me, hopefully, I can get the car moving and enjoy the long drag down to the first corner.

"I feel pretty confident I can get the jump at the start."

Asked what effect he felt the bricks might have on Schumacher's car, Coulthard said: "Wheel-spin, hopefully."