Senna Trial Again Threatens Monza.

The Italian Grand Prix is the latest round of the world championship to be placed under threat of cancellation but, for once, not because of tobacco advertising.


The recent announcement that the inquest into Ayrton Senna's death is to be re-opened, and a new trial ordered for later this year, has brought with it the spectre of individuals involved in F1 being held responsible for death and injury while racing in Italy. The country's laws insist on criminal proceedings being brought in the case of an accident and, as Patrick Head and Adrian Newey have found, the process can drag on.


Following the initial proceedings of the Senna case, the FIA called for a 'dangerous sports' law to be introduced by the European parliament, specifically to protect those involved in activities where death and injury may occur. Such a law has not been forthcoming, however, and FIA president Max Mosley has said that, despite a ruling possibly being in place before too long, the Monza race may be cancelled for 1999.


"We have had a number of discussions," Mosley said, "and I recently had a meeting with the Italian minister of justice. We understand that a law is in preparation."