Williams to wait for Senna verdict

Motor racing

The Williams team said yesterday it was too soon to comment on a newspaper report that Ayrton Senna's death was caused by a faulty steering rod.

The three-times world champion died after smashing into a concrete wall at 190mph during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in April 1994. Williams' technical director, Patrick Head, said: "The findings of the investigation into Ayrton's fatal accident are being considered by the magistrate, Maurizio Passarini.

"The comments published today are unofficial. We are awaiting Mr Passarini's official report and cannot make any further comment until this is published."

The newspaper story quoted Professor Enrico Lorenzini, who led the official investigation, as concluding in his report that the steering broke during the race. It is believed Senna wanted the steering wheel lowered to have a better view of the instrument panel. To do this it was said the rod - usually one piece of metal - was cut and then welded together.