FORMULA One team owner Frank Williams and senior aides charged with manslaughter in the death of Ayrton Senna three years ago will not be present for the opening day of their trial in Italy next week.

A team spokesman announced that Williams, technical director Patrick Head and chief designers Adrian Newey had been advised not to attend the first day of the case in Bologna on February 20th.

"Obviously, Williams team personnel will be appearing at the trial," the spokesman said. "However, we have been in discussions with our legal team and they advised us it is not necessary for Williams' personnel to be present on Thursday, February 20th."

Williams had said previously that he would be going to Italy for the trial opening because he felt it was right for him to be seen to be representing his team.