...about the new surface, which is radically different (diamond-cut for extra grip) from the surface at other circuits.

Unfortunately for the knee-jerk brigade, it's not as simple as it first appears.

Firstly, Turn 13 (the 175MPH banked turn) is, frankly, not suitable for F1 cars. F1 cars are heavier, wider and more powerful than Indy cars, which depend more on mechanical grip and less on the aero package. Turn 13 places demands on the tyres and suspension that were barely considered when the cars were designed.

Secondly, Michelin had another tyre. However, they wouldn't warrant this one, either. Thirdly, they could have put a chicane in. This has been done before.

Thirdly, there HAVE been allowances for Bridgestone runners in the past; Interlagos 2003 (Bridgestone turned up with intermediate, Michelin with full wet, track was covered in standing water, safety car brought out even though a majority of cars on the grid could have run safely). This incident was not without precedent.

Fourthly, Jordan shafted Minardi.

Fifthly, someone needs to throw Max and Bernie into a shark pool. Charlie Whiting for dessert.

If the stupid "One tyre for all weekend" rule wasn't in place, then I'd say that the f1asco wouldn't have happened.

It's time to return to full slicks, mechanical grip, as many bloody tyres as they want, and no traction or launch control.

But yes, the fans got shafted. But it was the FIA who done it.