Australian Grand Prix given green light

Victoria state coroner Graeme Johnstone has effectively given the green light for the event's organisers to press ahead with its plans. The Albert Park race has appeared on the FIA's 2002 calendar pending the outcome of the inquiry into the marshal's death.

Beveridge died of a ruptured heart when a wheel from Jacques Villeneuve's BAR flew through an access gap in the trackside safety fencing and struck him in the chest, after an accident between Villeneuve and Ralf Schumacher's Williams-BMW in this year's race.

In his final submission, Ross Ray QC, counsel for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, said the corporation had shown a high level of responsibility and had made changes to the safety fences. Ross said it would be helpful if coroner could indicate that there was no reason why the 2002 event should not proceed.

In response, Johnstone told the inquiry: "I don't think any recommendations I would make would overburden your client."

Johnstone also said he hoped his comments gave "some comfort" to Australian Grand Prix organisers in regard to the 2002 event.

The hearing's findings won't be revealed until the middle of January. The race is scheduled to take place on March 3.