Start of Senna trial; Lola presents car; Tests
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Thursday February 20, 1997

The much talked about 'Trial-Senna' started in Italy today. Frank Williams and several others are facing manslaughter charges for the death of Ayrton Senna on May 1 1994.

Federico Bendinelli, who is also facing charges, was the only one of the persons present today. "The death was due exclusively to the fact that part of the suspension block on one of the wheels snapped off and broke through (Senna's) visor to hit his forehead. It was like a bullet. If it was not for this bizarre blow, Senna would have been able to walk away from the accident," he told reporters.

He added: "The prosecutor's theory that the track's condition played a role in the Senna crash is absolutely groundless, and I'm sure we will prove it."

A Williams lawyer again stated: "We are absolutely convinced the car was in good order. The steering column broke after and not before the crash." The Williams lawyer added that Frank Williams will be present as much as possible: "He will probably be at the hearing in March when the prosecution lays out its case."

The lawyer of the Senna family was also present, but he stated: "The family is interested but is not taking sides."

The court has decided to limit the number of TV crews present in the court after an army of TV crews and journalists arrived at the scene: only two television cameras would be admitted and it would not be allowed to film defendants against their wishes when they give evidence. Frank Williams has already stated he doesn't want to be filmed.

The case is scheduled to last three months, although some people have predicted it will last much longer than that.


Lola presents car

Formula One newcomer Lola have presented their 1997 car, the T97-30 today, all 1997 cars are now presented, with the drivers Ricardo Rosset and Vincenzo Sospiri, who said: "This is my first year in the sport and I am looking forward to it. I hope we can just get points before the end of the year and I am sure we will have no problems qualifying throughout the season.". Andrea Montermini has been singed as their test driver.

The Lola-Ford T97-30
The Lola-Ford T 97-30: photo by Lola

Team founder Eric Broadley said: "We are completely ready for this venture. Like all projects the eventual aim is to win the championship and, after four years, I am expecting us to do that. I am not predicting big results this year, we have a lot to learn and there are a lot of other good teams out there, but we will win in the future."

"We are not going to win in Formula One without a super engine and the view was that if we couldn't get it, then we would have to make one. I have no fears at the moment. We should get within the 107 percent qualifying minimum and if we don't do that then we should not be in the sport." The team will start using their own V10 engine in stead of the Ford Zetec they will be using now as soon as possible.


Tests


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