Four witnesses for Williams testified yesterday at the trial. The first and most important was Toni Pilcher, responsible of production of Williams. Pilcher was asked by Dominioni whether he took part in the production of the steering column and replied that it was part of his job to produce that part. Prof. Stortoni (Newey's lawyer) called an objection about the status of Pilcher in the trial (whether Pilcher is under investigation or not). Magistrate Passarini backed Dominioni and judge Costanzo agreed with them. Stortoni gave up. This was the first time since the trial started that Williams and the magistrates backed each other.
Dominioni then showed Pilcher two drawings of the steering. Pilcher explained that the original drawing dates from 3 February 94 and it represents the steering column of the FW15, 905 mm long. This was re-elaborated from a project of Alan Young and was given to him (Pilcher) on 10 march 94 to be produced with a steering column 917.3 mm long because of the modifications asked for by Senna, which introduced two new elements. The part consisted of nine components, each produced in separate departments in the factory. The production of the nine components took place at the same time, using the same materials and following the same procedure, to ensure reliability. The assembled part was then examined to make sure that it reproduced exactly the project in the drawing. If a part fails this examination there are two options: if possible the part is modified again, otherwise it is discarded. The same is done to test the quality of the part. If the part is OK, it is sent to the storeroom with a label saying what it is. From there it is then sent to the mechanics to be put in a car. Three specimens were produced of that steering column and the modifications were done immediately after 10 March, on time for the Brazilian GP on 26 march. Everything was done in the Williams factories.
Plicher's testimony showed that the parts were produced following the rules and not in a rush, and that Senna's steering system was the same as Hill's. Pilcher was then examined by Passarini. Pilcher said that 2-3 days are required for that type of modification and that they used two types of steel T45 and EN14, which are compatible.
Max Nightingale, responsible for the aerodynamics and the power steering, was another witness. Power steering was used in the Williams in the 94 season for the first time. Nightingale discussed the tests carried out on the suspensions and the steering system after the accident. Head had asked for the tests to be carried out. The data on the steering, based on the high peaks in the telemetry (probably connected to bumps), are not compatible with a breakage, otherwise they would have reset to zero. He then added that power steering was disabled on Hill's car after the accident as a precaution. Next was Simon Wells, responsible for hydraulic tests. He said that he did not find any signs of stress on Hill's steering system because he is not supposed to carry out that test. At this point Passarini accused him of being a technician who gets asked to carry out tests he is unable to do. This caused tension in the courtroom.
The dates of some of next hearings have been changed. The hearing of 30 June has been cancelled and the trial will restart on 3 July.
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