Death Overshadows Italian Ferrari Victory

The death of a fire marshall, the first fatality in Formula One since Ayrton Senna died at Imola in 1994, overshadowed Michael Schumacher's victory for Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Volunteer Paolo Gislimberti died in hospital from head and chest injuries caused by debris, probably a wheel, thrown up by a six-car collision at the second chicane on the opening lap.

Several drivers and teams commented on the tragedy. Michael Schumacher said: "I am very sad to hear about the death of a track official. Under these circumstances, what happened in the race has only a secondary importance".

Williams boss Frank Williams said "our condolences and thoughts must go out to the family and relatives of the marshall". The McLaren team also said their thoughts were with Gislimberti's family.

Benetton driver Alexander Wurz said the death had "clouded the whole race" while Minardi's Gaston Mazzacane called for further safety improvements at the venue close to Milan.

"Monza is a very fast track. Despite recent changes it is evident that there is a lot of work still to be done in terms of drivers' safety," he said.

Before the race a number of drivers had expressed concern about the first chicane but although Eddie Irvine and Mika Salo collided there, it was at the second where the fatal damage was done.

The tragedy prompted memories of the black weekend at Imola in 1994, when Austrian Roland Ratzenberger and Brazilian Ayrton Senna died at the San Marino Grand Prix.