Drivers apportion no blame at Monza.

Another fatal motor racing accident is sure to lead to an accident investigation that could yet, thanks to the peculiarities of Italian law, turn into a criminal investigation.

The last fatality in Formula One was Senna's and his death is still the subject of rancour and debate. Italian prosecutors last year said that they are still considering an appeal against a decision to acquit Frank Williams, Patrick Head and Adrian Newey on charges of involuntary manslaughter after the steering column of the Brazilian hero's Williams snapped in his Imola crash.

In the past, the deaths of Austrian world champion Jochen Rindt at Monza in 1970 and Wolfgang von Trips along with 13 spectators at the same track in 1961 have led to lengthy legal battles that have caused doubt over the future of the sport in Italy.

On Sunday night, Italian police authorities impounded all six cars involved in the incident, pending an investigation into the incident as is the normal procedure. Police interviewed Frentzen, Trulli, Coulthard, de la Rosa and Barrichello afterwards.

Frentzen, the hero of the Italian Grand Prix a year ago when he took the flag for Jordan, stopped short of admitting culpability for the accident but admitted that he was surprised that Barrichello braked as early as he did.

''It is a tragic thing that the marshal is dead,'' said a subdued Frentzen afterwards, ''I have to see the video before I make a race report. I have no problem taking the blame for the if the video shows that, but I have to say that I am not famous for being the kind of driver who causes those kind of starting accidents.

''Rubens braked very early and, I don't know why, but I don't blame him. I know the guy behind has responsibility. There was no space to avoid him and I hit him. But I was also hit from behind by some other people so I don't know.''

Pedro de la Rosa, who managed to scramble clear of his upturned Arrows unscathed, echoed the thoughts of almost everyone involved in the sport when he said afterwards: ''This is motor racing, it's a dangerous sport and sometimes these things happen.''

''I got to the second chicane and two cars in front were stopped, there was smoke and debris everywhere. I braked but I couldn't avoid one BAR I think, Zonta or someone. [actually Herbert's Jaguar]. I got in the air and it just barrel-rolled. But I'm still here which is the best thing.

The Benson & Hedges Jordan team has cancelled a proposed test at Mugello near Florence scheduled for tomorrow citing 'logistical reasons'.