Police investigation follows Monza tragedy.

The Italian Grand Prix accident which claimed the life of a fire marshal is expected to provoke an investigation similar to that which followed the double death at Imola in 1994.

On that occasion, following the loss of both Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, Williams had the Brazilian's car impounded by the local police, and members of the team, the circuit organisation and Formula One officials were expected to appear in a protracted court case as Italian law demanded a culprit be found.

Where most European countries treat sporting accidents, even those including loss of life, as accidental, the Italian justice system views them as manslaughter to be investigated like any similar incident in everyday life.

The tragedy at Monza, which claimed the life of 30-year old fire marshal Paolo Ghislimberti, has since resulted in the five cars involved at the Roggia chicane incident being requested for impounding by the police, with the respective drivers being asked to remain at Monza to speak to both Formula One safety investigators and representatives of the law.

It is understood that Gislimberti was struck on the head by debris from the incident, including a wheel that had become detached from one of the cars involved. He was seen receiving cardiac massage at the side of the track, and later transferred to the medical centre in an ambulance. He was declared dead from head and chest trauma just as the race ended.

The planned test at Mugello this week may now be cancelled as a result of the accident.