Jan.24 (GMM) Former F1 driver JJ Lehto is facing a charge of manslaughter.

A friend of the ex-Sauber and Benetton racer was killed last year when the speedboat they were travelling on smashed into a bridge pillar in his native Finland.

Lehto, who had head injuries and failed a blood alcohol test, told police he had no memory of the incident.

But local media reports say Lehto, who raced in F1 until 1994, is now open to a manslaughter charge because police have concluded that he was driving the boat.

The reports also said Lehto has been fined for recklessness in travelling at closer to 40 knots in the 5 knot zone, and that he could be sued by the family of his deceased friend.

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