Vic:Inquest into Grand Prix death underway

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2001
Vic:Inquest into Grand Prix death underway

MELBOURNE, Dec 3 AAP - An inquest into the death of a track marshal at this year's
Australian Grand Prix is underway in Melbourne.

Graham Beveridge, 52, was killed in a freak accident during the opening lap of this
year's event after a collision with Jacques Villeneuve and Ralf Schumacher.

He died when he was hit in the chest by a wheel from Villeneuve's car. The wheel had
been propelled through a gap in the trackside safety barrier after the crash.

In his opening address Jim Kennan, SC, counsel assisting the coroner, said the accident
happened when Schumacher braked before turn three and he was struck from behind by Villeneuve.

The inquest would look at safety and design features of the race including the placement
of sensors and the tethers securing wheels to the cars, Mr Kennan said.

But there was no evidence of fault on the part of either Ralf Schumacher and Jacques
Villeneuve, Mr Kennan said.

The inquest has viewed video replays of the accident which showed the crash and the
lethal tyre bursting through a gap in the fence.

Statements from the two drivers involved in the accident have also been read to the court.

Jacques Villeneuve described the accident as "an unfortunate racing incident" that
happened when one driver tried to gain the position of another driver.

The chief steward of the race is due to give evidence to the inquest which continues
before Coroner Graeme Johnstone.

AAP nl/sp/mg/sb

KEYWORD: MARSHAL

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