The Senna trial has come to an end, for now, because of the immediate right to appeal. The judge Antonio Costanzo ruled that the Williams trio, Frank Williams, Patrick Head and Adrian Newey, and the FIA track official are cleared of all charges today.

The prosecution claimed that a badly welded steering rod was the cause of Senna's fatal crash.
The prosecution is considering an appeal.

Some reactions to the verdict:

• Williams team spokeswoman: "Our legal advisers inform us that the prosecution has an automatic right of appeal. Clearly we would hope that this matter will not be pursued further. We firmly believe that this was the only appropriate outcome of the trial and now look forward to the 1998 season with confidence and enthusiasm."

• Jean Todt: "I haven't expressed an opinion throughout all this because I felt it was only right to wait for the judgement, which has been very long and laborious, and has therefore a judgement of conscience which has to be both accepted and respected. On top of that, it wasn't easy to give an opinion on a motor race when you know that there are dangers and risks involved. My comment is a positive one, because of the fact that there has been a very careful examination of all that has happened, and because of the outcome of the trial."

• FIA: "The FIA has noted today's decision of the Imola court, but will not comment until it has examined the full text of the decision and studied its implications."

• Damon Hill: "I've always felt that Williams produced safe and competitive cars and if I didn't think that I would not have driven for them. I know this trial has been hanging over them and this vindication expresses a feeling about the utter integrity of Williams. It's very good for the sport. It's the right decision."

• Ken Tyrrell: "..tremendous news. The fact that Frank and the rest of the team have coped with this during a championship year says something about the Williams team."

• Derek Warwick: "Every driver knows he's taking risks but we're prepared to take those risks."

Reigning Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve is the recipient of the Lou Marsh Award as Canada's top male athlete of 1997. The award is named after the late Toronto Star sports editor and voted on by a panel of sports media representatives.

It's the second time in three years that Villeneuve has been honoured. The first came after he won the CART World Series driver's championship and the Indianapolis 500 in 1995.

The native of Iberville, Quebec who now resides in Monaco was a narrow winner over a field of seven finalists which included Colorado Rockies slugger Larry Walker and figure skater Elvis Stojko.

Villeneuve captured the Formula One title in Jerez, Spain in October when he overcame a crash involving his chief rival Michael Schumacher. He became the first Canadian to win the world driving championship.

Supplied and Copyright by: John Marchesan tsn.ca