Benetton defender Carman dies.

Renowned libel lawyer George Carman QC succumbed to cancer last night, but not before making a small but valuable contribution to the machinations of Formula One.

Carman's reputation caused Benetton to seek his assistance when accused of tampering with the mandatory refuelling rig during the 1994 season. Protests flew after rookie Jos Verstappen and several of his pit crew were engulfed in flame at the German GP, and the team, apparently keen not to become involved in a protracted legal battle, sought Carman's help in protesting that a vital part had been removed by a junior employee without the permission or knowledge of senior management. The case went Benetton's way, despite enforced personnel changes as a compromise settlement, to the disappointment of its rivals,

Carman died following a long battle against prostate cancer, aged 71.