Senna's helmet finally released.

Eight years after the crash that claimed his life, Ayrton Senna's racing helmet has finally been released by the authorities investigating his death. A few weeks ago the Williams FW16 Senna drove at Imola in 1994 was also released: the conclusion of the investigation acquitted team principal Frank Williams, technical director Patrick Head and then-designer Adrian Newey of manslaughter.

The court hearing released the helmet in favour of Bell Racing Europe and a representative of Bell completed the formalities necessary to take possession of it. Representatives of the Senna family were also present. Although the fate of Senna's car is yet to be decided -- Williams have issued no statement on the matter -- the helmet was destroyed according to the wishes of the Senna family and Bell. It was badly damaged in the crash and the parties involved in reclaiming it wanted to avoid the unpleasantness of collectors bidding for it as memorabilia.