'This is crazy!' - Remembering the 2005 US Grand Prix, the biggest farce in F1 history

Seventeen years ago, at the 2005 United States Grand Prix, Formula 1 experienced the worst race in its history. And more, it diverted a situation that could have resulted in severe injury.

Up until the end of the 2006 season, F1 had what you would call a tyre war. Several tyre manufacturers would partner with F1 teams, and between 2001 and 2006, the fiercest tyre rivalry in F1 would occur. Bridgestone entered the sport in 1997, with Michelin four years later.

Over the years leading up to the end of 2006, the two tyre manufacturers would compete for teams' preferences, but most always opted for Michelin. In 2005, Ferrari, Jordan, and Minardi received their tyres from Bridgestone, while the remaining seven teams, including Renault and McLaren-Mercedes, opted for Michelin.

2005 would also be the year that the tyre war reached its peak, and F1 almost suffered irreparable damage to its image and credibility.

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Roll on Indianapolis

After the 2004 edition of the US GP around Indianapolis, the circuit's management team decided to repave the embankment out of the final corner. It all seemed well on paper, but the reality of the situation would be far darker.

It came to light after Ralf Schumacher's Toyota suffered a left-rear tyre failure on the banking that's angled at 9-degrees, sending him crashing into the wall in the weekend's opening practice session. Michelin immediately launched an investigation into Schumacher's crash, establishing that its tyres could not cope with the demands of the repaved section of track.

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More, with 2005 regulations dictating