Italian Prosecutor Calls for Manslaughter Charges in Ayrton Senna's Death

06/28/96

Motorsport News International has reported that an Italian prosecutor has asked for Formula One team owner Frank Williams to be charged with and tried for manslaughter in relation to the auto racing death of world champion Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna, who died at the Imola race track during the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.

According to an anonymous source, prosecutor Maurizio Passarini will seek a trial for Frank Williams, Williams' technical manager Patrick Head, six other Williams team officials, and two officials at the Imola race track.

Passarini has submitted his conclusions to an examining magistrate who will decide whether or not to bring charges and hold a trial. The magistrate is expected to rule around July 20. Five people were also investigated for Roland Ratzenberger's death, but the Italian media reported that Passarini has recommended that the Ratzenberger case be dropped.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel