Formula 1's ruinous farce at Indianapolis

Six cars. That was the full extent of the US Grand Prix's starting grid at Indianapolis on this day in 2005.

All 20 cars made their way out for the parade lap, but 14 drivers using Michelin tyres pulled in and retired because of safety concerns.

The French manufacturer had been caught out by unexpected tyre wear on the resurfaced Speedway and stated that its rubber would not last for the entire duration of the race.

With tyre changes during pitstops bizarrely outlawed by the regulations, there was no other choice for the Michelin-shod runners then to withdraw.

Needless to say, the 100,000 crowd loudly expressed its ire as Ferrari's Michael Schumacher cruised to a meaningless victory in front of team mate Rubens Barrichello.

Meanwhile, Jordan's Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan, and Minardi's Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher spent the afternoon just making up the small and insignificant numbers.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.