Patrick Tambay: “Disgusting”

What do you think about Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds leaving the team? Renault ?

If the facts are proven, I think it was a decision that was overdue. We should have started by saving Renault by sacking them earlier. If the case is confirmed, this decision was unavoidable. This should never have happened, it?s sickening and unacceptable.

Let's go back to the 2008 Singapore GP. Do you think it's conceivable to voluntarily throw yourself against a wall like Nelson Piquet Junior would have done?

Whether it is voluntary or not, it is something doable. As proof, it is more difficult to maintain a Formula 1 on the track than achieving pole! The question above all is whether Nelson Piquet Junior offered to get into trouble on his own or whether Flavio Briatore or Pat Symonds asked him.

In any case, it is something dangerous for everyone, for the other drivers, for the marshals, and it does not correspond to the values ​​that I defend.

Will this affair call into question Renault's participation in F1?

The people in charge are no longer there, they are no longer part of Renault F1 Team. There has been a lot of stupidity written but in my opinion, Renault's responsibility is to have given full powers to Briatore.

Regarding the future of Renault in F1, you should know that they are committed until 2012 with the Concorde Accords. Formula 1 still remains something attractive, whether for selling products or for the image of the brand. The proof is that we should have fourteen teams next season: that remains something positive.

So shouldn't Renault leave Formula 1?

I think Renault needs F1 just like F1 needs Renault, McLaren, Ferrari? There are competent people at the head of the governing bodies who will restore order to all this. Luca di Montezemolo, as president of FOTA (the team association), thus has all the skills to do so, just like Jean Todt who, if elected at the head of the FIA, will endeavor to put things back on track. So yes, I hope that Renault will stay in F1 and that this affair will serve as a lesson for the future.

After the departure of the two team leaders, the question is who will Renault F1 leave with?

We have people with fantastic skills in France, in all areas concerned: management, engineering, marketing? It is time to entrust key positions to French people again.

We also have an effective network for training French pilots at the highest level. Romain Grosjean (Renault) is the leader and it must perform well to pull the entire sector upwards.