Verstappen faces assault charge.

Jos Verstappen has joined the short list of grand prix drivers to find themselves in the dock, after being accused of with causing grievous bodily harm.

According to Belgian press agency Belga, Verstappen and his victim were involved in a fight at the north Belgium kart circuit of Lanaken, which resulted in the unnamed man being taken to hospital with a fractured skull. The fight is thought to have arisen over use of the circuit, which Verstappen wanted exclusively for himself and a group of friends.

Although a financial settlement has been reached between the two parties involved, the prosecution is still calling for the Dutchman to be 'severely punished' for his actions. Verstappen's lawyers continue to claim that there is no proof that he was the one to have landed the blow that caused the injury, as several people were involved in the fight at the time.

The Arrows driver joins fellow Benelux racer Bertrand Gachot in facing assault charges. The one-time Jordan driver was forced to miss the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix after being found guilty of attacking a London taxi driver. Michael Schumacher made his debut in Gachot's place at Spa.