The teams hope Michelin's goodwill erases any lingering hard feelings.

"Last year was quite damaging, but I think Michelin took care of everyone _ and it cost them an arm and a leg," said Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve. "Hopefully the compensation that everybody got was worth it, and if there's a very good show this year I'm sure part of last year can be cleansed a bit."

Track officials have spent significant time this year promoting Scott Speed, the first American F1 driver since 1993, and hope his inclusion in the field can drum up interest.

Michael Schumacher, who won last year's six-car race, believes Speed is an important key in promoting the series.

"If you have your own sportsman there competing at the top, it will obviously help a lot," he said.

But until Speed becomes a household name, Schumacher hopes the true fans will forgive F1 for last year.

"I think only real fans will turn up, otherwise there is no point for them to come out if they don't like the show," he said. "You do not have to judge Formula One on the one event, you have to judge on the whole."