The physics of the e+e- --> $t\overline{t}$ threshold scan

The physics of the top-antitop threshold is reexamined under the light of the new knowledge of the top mass. It is found that the combined measurement of the $t\bar{t}$ cross section, top momentum distribution and forward-backward charge asymmetry in a scan around the threshold region allows a simultaneous determination of the top quark mass and $\alpha_s$ with uncertainties 200~MeV and 0.005 respectively, for an integrated luminosity of 50~fb$^{-1}$. A one-parameter fit to the top quark width results in its determination with an 18\% precision. Finally, the sensitivity of the $t\bar{t}$ cross section to the top Yukawa coupling has been found to be enough to measure it to $\pm$30\% of its value, for Higgs masses around 100~GeV.