Ayrton Senna's Williams 'black box' was scrutinised today when the Trial Senna continued. Witnesses had said that this recorder was damaged and could not be linked to the team's computer. Marco Spiga showed the court how the recorder worked: with a three pin connector. The session also showed however that the recorder also needed a data card in order to send information.
Williams lawyer Edda Gandossi said: "I think it's clear today that it would be pointless in this trial to try and cast any suspicion or inferences on the behaviour of the Williams engineers, a behaviour which has always been courteous and professional."
The prosecution said: "Only today are we told we need a card. Williams never told us this before. Why wasn't it made available?"
Reply: "Because we were only asked for the pin connectors."
He also added that the card will be available during the next session.
Michael Schumacher tested the F 310B, with the 046/1 engine, on the Mugello (Italy) circuit today. He worked on the set-up and tested different tyres, best time of 1m 26.363s (45 laps).
Schumacher commented: "This was simply a normal test session. We tried a few things with interesting results."
Gianni Morbidelli tested the F 310B with the 046/1 engine on the Mugello circuit yesterday. He completed 35 laps with a best time of 1m 28.24s.
It is rumoured that Ukyo Katayama, now with the Minardi-Hart team, will leave Formula One next year to go to the Indy car series. It's been said he had a good offer.
Tyrrell have denied rumours that they are going to switch to Bridgestone tyres, after it's become obvious that they are quicker. The team stated that they have a contract with Goodyear and will honour that contract. Although several Dutch newspapers reported that Tyrrell have started talks with Bridgestone.
The team will receive new spec Ford V8 engines for the Imola GP. The new Ford V8 ED5 will have completely new cylinder heads with barrel throttles (as used in the Ford Zetec-R V10), a revised bottom end and new fuel system. It is anticipated that the ED5 will yield a 5 percent performance increase over the ED4 (current engine) and rev to 15,000rpm.
Tyrrell update provided by Anthony van der Draai, from the Netherlands