F1 teams cleared of U.S. Grand Prix guilty charges

HOCKENHEIM, Germany (Reuters) – Formula One’s governing
body has formally canceled guilty verdicts made against the
seven Michelin teams after the U.S. Grand Prix tire fiasco.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a
statement Friday that its world motor sport council had voted
overwhelmingly to wipe the slate clean after examining new
evidence.

The move was a formality after the FIA senate recommended
last week to annul the verdicts.

The June 19 race at Indianapolis turned into a fiasco after
just six cars started. The Michelin teams — championship
leaders Renault, McLaren, Williams, Toyota, BAR, Sauber and Red
Bull — withdrew because of tire safety concerns.

The seven were cleared of three charges but found guilty at
a hearing in Paris on June 29 of failing to ensure they were in
possession of suitable tires and wrongfully refusing to allow
their cars to start the race.