Protesters have put down diesel over a 500 metre stretch on the Melbourne (Australia) circuit, where the 1997 Grand Prix season starts on March 9. As a result of this Grand Prix officials had to stage a cleaning operation. A fire brigade official said the fuel might have to be burned of the track if cleaning with chemicals doesn't work.

"Many see this act of bastardry -- and that's the only way you can describe it -- as criminal. It's unforgivable," said Victorian premier Jeff Kennett.

Race chief Ron Walker said: "I can assure all Australians that the race will go ahead on time, on schedule, and it will be one of Australia's greatest sporting events despite this vandalism."

The 'Save Albert Park' group have denied any involvement, a spokeswoman said: "I'm dismayed because I think the lunatic fringe could let it rebound on us.

The judge in the Senna trial, over who's to blame for the death of Ayrton Senna on the Imola (Italy) track on May 1 1994, has rejected the claim made by two of the defendants that mistakes were made in the process of obtaining evidence a week ago. The lawyers of Adrian Newey and Roland Bruynseraede stated last week that their clients were questioned without being told that they could be prosecuted.

The judge, Antonio Costanzo, said the claims were unfounded. He also disagreed with the claim made by the Newey counsel that the trial should be move to Bologna where Senna was declared dead. Costanzo adjourned the trial until March 5 when the prosecutors are to present their case.

Ferrari test driver Gianni Morbidelli had his first test in the Ferrari F310. He drove 97 laps on the Fiorano (Italy) circuit with a best time of 1m 01.42s.

The Italian commented afterwards: "I am pleased with what I have done today. It was the perfect training session for the forthcoming tests."

The Ferrari team have decided that they are going to use the 046/1 (1996) engine in the race in Melbourne but they will use the 1997 engine, the 046/2, during qualifying.