OCTOBER 12, 2001

Coroner to decide soon on Melbourne death

THE Melbourne coroner will decide soon on the outcome of the accident in Melbourne in March which claimed the life of a trackside marshal, who was hit by wreckage from a collision between Jacques Villeneuve and Ralf Schumacher. The FIA stewards at the time concluded that it had been "a racing incident" and no sporting action was taken. The coroner must now decide whether there is a case for any criminal action against anyone involved. This is highly unlikely but it has meant that the 2002 Australian GP is still currently listed as a provisional date in the calendar.

The investigation has been carried out by the Major Collision Unit of the Victorian police.

It is expected that the coroner will conclude that it was a case of accidental death or what is known as misadventure.