Olivier Panis, who broke both his legs during last Sunday's Grand Prix, has been operated on for the second time in the Montreal hospital yesterday. Doctors discovered a dangerous muscle problem, which could have led to serious problems with his legs. Panis' current health state is said to be excellent.
The cause of the accident is most likely to be a technical one. Team-boss Alain Prost has said that Panis was hit during the start and Panis also hit a wall at some point. They don't know which incident is to blame but they think it's what caused something to brake on Panis' car before crashing into the tyre barriers.
Prost said: "It appears obvious that one or the other of these incidents caused the failure of a mechanical component at the rear of his car."
A speed reduction, which will surely be the case in 1998 with the rule change, of Formula One cars can't come quick enough for Max Mosley after last Sunday's horrible accident. He said: "The instigation of new regulations for 1998 are timely."
Michael Schumacher also stated: "I was upset, as I drove by and saw Olivier it reminded me of Ayrton Senna'. We, the drivers, will have to study what happened. The FIA will ask us for our views, and then it is up to them to do what is necessary."
Gerhard Berger has undergone further surgery on his sinus problem which saw him withdraw from last weekends Canadian Grand Prix. Berger was first operated on for this condition 3 weeks ago.
A spokesman said while the next three days were important to decide if Berger would be fit to race in France, no decision would be made till next week.
Benetton team principal Flavio Briatore said "It is possible he can recover quickly, hopefully enough to be back at Magny-Cours."
Many teams are testing for the Grand Prix of France on the Magny-Cours circuit. Prost has to decide which driver is going to replace Olivier Panis for the rest of the season. Collard was testing yesterday and was last but after getting to know the car he has improved a great deal today. Trulli was also testing for Prost today, he came in last.
Alesi was, just like yesterday, the fastest man on the track.