Up to a dozen spectators injured by debris

A track marshall in his mid-50s died after being hit by a wheel from the BAR-Honda of Jacques Villeneuve when it was involved in a collision with Ralf Schumacher's Williams-BMW. But latest figures say that up to another 12 spectators were also hurt.

Official statements put the figure at seven, saying they were treated at a nearby first aid post for minor injuries, but eye witnesses said another five had a variety of small cuts and bruises.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport expressed regret for the death, the first fatality in six Grands Prix run in Melbourne.

Peter Hansen, head of the local motoring organisation, CAMS, said the official, who was from the north-eastern Australian state of Queensland, was in his early 50s, but declined to name him.

Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker promised to take care of the dead man's family regardless of their existing insurance arrangements.

Despite reports that the marshal actually died at the Albert Park circuit, Hansen said he succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. He is the second track marshal to be killed in a Formula 1 accident in sixth months. An official died at Monza, near Milan in Italy, last September when he was hit by a flying wheel following a six-car pile-up.

Walker said the Albert Park street course complied fully with F1 safety requirements, including requirements for the protection of track marshals. The fatal crash will be the subject of a Coronial Inquest in the state of Victoria.