Renault escapes the worst

Renault pleaded guilty before the FIA ​​World Council and the sanction handed down by the motorsport governing body is not a surprise. The World Council concluded that Renault had organized the accident of Nelson Piquet Jr at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, in violation of the international sporting code.

« Renault F1 carried out a thorough internal investigation which revealed that Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr had colluded to cause the accident and that no other member of the team had been made aware of this machination, reveals the FIA ​​press release.

The FIA ​​has carried out its investigation and reached the conclusions established by Renault F1.
During the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, the Renault F1 Team put forward the following points in its defense:

The Renault F1 Team agreed, at the first possible opportunity, to acknowledge the offenses with which it was accused and to cooperate fully with the FIA ​​investigation.
The Renault F1 Team confirmed that Mr Briatore and Mr Symonds were involved in the conspiracy and ensured they left the team.
The Renault F1 Team has unreservedly apologized to the FIA ​​for the damage caused by its actions.
The Renault F1 Team has agreed to pay the costs incurred by the FIA ​​in its investigation.
Renault (the parent company) is committed to making a significant contribution to the safety of FIA-related projects.

Nelson Piquet Jr also apologized unreservedly to the World Motor Sport Council for his role in the scheme.

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Considering the points mentioned above, in particular due to the measures taken by Renault F1 Team to identify and sanction the culprits, the World Council has decided to suspend the disqualification of the Renault F1 Team until the end of the 2011 season. The World Council will only activate this disqualification if Renault F1 is guilty of a similar violation of the regulations during this time.

Furthermore, the World Motor Sport Council notes Renault F1's apology and agrees that the team must pay the costs of the investigation. He also accepts the offer of a significant contribution to the FIA's safety work.

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With regard to Mr. Piquet Jr, the World Council confirms the immunity required under the International Sporting Code in relation to this incident, the FIA ​​having granted him in exchange for his testimony.

Regarding Fernando Alonso, the World Council thanks him for cooperating with the FIA ​​investigations and for participating in the meeting, and concludes that Mr. Alonso was in no way involved in the violation of the regulations by Renault F1. »

The World Council also took sanctions against Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds, which you can find here.