The Lola-Ford T 97-30: photo by Lola
The much talked about 'Trial-Senna' started in Italy today. Frank Williams and several others are facing manslaughter charges for the death of Ayrton Senna on May 1 1994.
Federico Bendinelli, who is also facing charges, was the only one of the persons present today. "The death was due exclusively to the fact that part of the suspension block on one of the wheels snapped off and broke through (Senna's) visor to hit his forehead. It was like a bullet. If it was not for this bizarre blow, Senna would have been able to walk away from the accident," he told reporters.
He added: "The prosecutor's theory that the track's condition played a role in the Senna crash is absolutely groundless, and I'm sure we will prove it."
A Williams lawyer again stated: "We are absolutely convinced the car was in good order. The steering column broke after and not before the crash." The Williams lawyer added that Frank Williams will be present as much as possible: "He will probably be at the hearing in March when the prosecution lays out its case."
The lawyer of the Senna family was also present, but he stated: "The family is interested but is not taking sides."
The court has decided to limit the number of TV crews present in the court after an army of TV crews and journalists arrived at the scene: only two television cameras would be admitted and it would not be allowed to film defendants against their wishes when they give evidence. Frank Williams has already stated he doesn't want to be filmed.
The case is scheduled to last three months, although some people have predicted it will last much longer than that.
Formula One newcomer Lola have presented their 1997 car, the T97-30 today, all 1997 cars are now presented, with the drivers Ricardo Rosset and Vincenzo Sospiri, who said: "This is my first year in the sport and I am looking forward to it. I hope we can just get points before the end of the year and I am sure we will have no problems qualifying throughout the season.". Andrea Montermini has been singed as their test driver.
Team founder Eric Broadley said: "We are completely ready for this venture. Like all projects the eventual aim is to win the championship and, after four years, I am expecting us to do that. I am not predicting big results this year, we have a lot to learn and there are a lot of other good teams out there, but we will win in the future."
"We are not going to win in Formula One without a super engine and the view was that if we couldn't get it, then we would have to make one. I have no fears at the moment. We should get within the 107 percent qualifying minimum and if we don't do that then we should not be in the sport." The team will start using their own V10 engine in stead of the Ford Zetec they will be using now as soon as possible.
Mika Hakkinen completed a race distance today. He clocked a fastest time of 1m 21.00s. He was three seconds faster than the other driver testing here: Johnny Herbert in the Sauber-Petronas.
The Williams team concluded their test session on the Estoril track today with a fastest time set by Heinz-Harald Frentzen: a 1m 18.93s. Jean Alesi was second with a 1m 19.00s. Both Alesi and Gerhard Berger performed a Goodyear test.
Jarno Trulli had his first test in the Minardi M197 on the circuit. He clocked a fastest time of 1m 24.09s.
Olivier Panis was had a satisfactory test again on the Magny-Cours circuit. He drove 34 laps with a best time of 1m 18.34s.
Eddie Irvine was the only one testing here today. He set a new track record of 1m 25.43s while working on the new aerodynamic features. Irvine commented: "I am very happy with what we have done. The aerodynamic changes have made the car more stable and the suspension modifications have also resulted in an improvement."
Michael Schumacher was not present today because he has become a father. His wife Corinna gave birth to a baby girl: Gina Maria.
Jos Verstappen was the fastest man on the track. He drove a fastest time of 1m 27.1 (34 laps). Mika Salo was second with a time of 1m 27.4 (53). The Tyrrell team is very happy with the new 025. Salo commented: "The car is very easy to set up and is sensitive to the changes we make. The performance of the engine has been excellent and the team is in good shape."
Damon Hill had a troublesome test again in the new Arrows, he clocked a best time of 1m 39.54s. His team-mate Pedro Diniz was a lot faster with a time of 1m 33.55s but Hill drove on a wet track and Diniz on a dry.