Rio gets to show off sporting passion Oct 4, 2009
The largest South American country has also won multiple world and Olympic titles in volleyball, there have been Formula One racing legends like Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Emerson Fittipaldi. But sports like swimming and tennis remain on the back burner, and the South American giant, whose population now reaches 190 million people, still has a lot to do to become an Olympic power house. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
* Renault robbed me of Formula One title, Massa says Oct 3, 2009
Brazilian Felipe Massa has accused Renault and Nelson Piquet Jr of robbing him of the 2008 Formula One title by fixing last years Singapore Grand Prix. After meeting compatriot Piquet at the Granja Viana karting track near Sao Paulo, the Ferrari driver told Brazils Globo television that the race result should have been changed after the drivers deliberate crash. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Massa still fumes over Renault race fix Oct 2, 2009
Renault admitted Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed in the race to bring out the safety car, helping teammate Fernando Alonso win the race. "I was very upset with everything that happened," Massa told Brazilian television. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Massa wants Singapore 2008 result scrapped Oct 2, 2009
SAO PAULO: The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix result should be scrapped, Felipe Massa insisted Thursday, saying Renault driver Nelson Piquet junior's deliberate crash and team-mate Fernando Alonso's subsequent win had "robbed" him of glory ... Felipe Massa insisted that 2008 Singapore GP result should be scrapped as Renault driver Nelson Piquet deliberate crash had "robbed" him of c'ship glory. (India Times, India)
Alonso flags Ferrari as sponsors back away from faltering Renault Sep 26, 2009
Dutch banking group ING said it will terminate its three-year deal after Renault was handed a two-year suspended ban after former driver Nelson Piquet jnr's claims he was ordered to crash at the 2008 Singapore race ... Meanwhile, Renault attempted to begin drawing a line under the affair by announcing it would withdraw its threat of legal action against Piquet and his father, former world champion Nelson Piquet snr. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Formula One scandal costly Sep 26, 2009
The FIA handed a lifetime ban to team principal Flavio Briatore and a five-year suspension to chief engineer Pat Symonds for their roles in ordering Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the race. Mutua Madrilena said its contract stipulated that Renault "must abide by all the rules and regulations of the FIA.". (News & Observer -- Sports)
Renault sponsors pull out over race-fixing Sep 26, 2009
On Monday, the FIA also banned ex-Renault boss Flavio Briatore for life and suspended former engineering head Pat Symonds for five years for fixing last years Singapore Grand Prix by ordering Brazilian Nelson Piquet to crash. Reuters. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Championship leader Button clocks fifth fastest time Sep 26, 2009
In the first floodlit session for the night race, French rookie driver Romain Grosjean slammed his Renault into the barriers at the same place where Nelson Piquet deliberately smashed into the wall a year ago. Red flags were waved to allow the debris to be removed before practice could resume with Webbers team-mate Vettel clocking the second fastest time, 0. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Smashing Piquet could end up with new F1 team Manor GP Sep 26, 2009
LONDON: New Formula One team Manor GP could be prepared to throw Nelson Piquet a lifeline despite the Brazilian deliberately crashing his car last year to fix the Singapore Grand Prix. Ive not spoken to him at the moment, but hes a smashing little driver, Manor team boss John Booth told the Yorkshire Post newspaper yesterday when asked about the 24-year-old former Renault driver. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
F1: Renault crashes at same spot at Singapore GP Sep 26, 2009
Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed at that same turn in the 2008 race to help Renault teammate Fernando Alonso win. Recent revelations of that crash led to an indefinite ban for team principal Flavio Briatore, a five-year ban for chief engineer Pat Symonds and an exodus of sponsors from the team. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Motor Racing: Vettel sets the pace in Singapore GP practice Sep 26, 2009
com - Motor Racing Vettel sets the pace in Singapore GP practice. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
* Sponsors pull plug on Renault Sep 26, 2009
It followed former driver Nelson Piquet Jrs claims that he had been ordered to deliberately crash at last years race to allow teammate Fernando Alonso to win ... The team have attempted to start drawing a line under the cheating affair by announcing they would withdraw their threat of legal action against Piquet and the drivers father Nelson Piquet senior, a former world champion. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Alonso aims to prove a point with podium finish Sep 25, 2009
But his win last year, which was at the centre of the scandal after teammate Nelson Piquet junior deliberately crashed on team orders to help Alonso take the chequered flag first, has a hollow ring. Alonso, tipped for a move to Ferrari next season to replace Kimi Raikkonen, began in 15th position but after making an early pit stop to refuel, Piquet crashed into a wall, prompting the deployment of the safety car. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Renault names new management after scandal Sep 25, 2009
He replaces Flavio Briatore, who left the team amid allegations by Nelson Piquet Jr. that he was ordered crash at last year's Singapore Grand Prix to help teammate Fernando Alonso win. Renault received a suspended ban from the sport at a hearing in Paris on Monday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Motor Racing: Briatore's ban too harsh, says F1 boss Ecclestone Sep 25, 2009
com - Motor Racing Briatore's ban too harsh, says F1 boss Ecclestone. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Motor Racing: Sponsors pull plug on Renault Sep 25, 2009
Meanwhile, Renault attempted to start drawing a line under the cheating affair by announcing they would withdraw their threat of legal action against Piquet and the driver's father Nelson Piquet senior, a former world champion. Briatore had launched legal proceedings against the Piquets accusing them of blackmail. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Mark Webber speaks up for ousted Flavio Briatore Sep 25, 2009
Briatore, who resigned as team principal of Renault, was banned from being a driver agent due to his part in arranging for Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash in last year's Singapore Grand Prix to help teammate Fernando Alonso. Webber had been managed by Briatore throughout his F1 career, and spoke up Thursday on the Italian's behalf. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Racing: Bell to lead Renault for rest of season Sep 24, 2009
com - Racing Bell to lead Renault for rest of season. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Witness X sealed Italians Formula One exit Sep 24, 2009
In documents published on the FIA website (), the world body said a fourth team member had also known about a plot for Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr to crash deliberately at the race to help Spanish team-mate Fernando Alonso win. The conspiracy had been thought to be limited to Piquet, Briatore and Symonds with the FIA declaring on Monday that double world champion Alonso had not been in the know. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Gamblers to place their bets despite Crashgate Sep 24, 2009
Renault were handed a suspended permanent ban from Formula One on Monday after the sports governing body said they had fixed last years Singapore Grand Prix by ordering Nelson Piquet to crash, helping his team-mate Fernando Alonso win. Betting started on Tuesday for this weekends race and there was little sign the scandal had affected gamblers. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Witness X sealed Briatores fate Sep 24, 2009
In documents published on the FIA Web site, the world body said a fourth team member had also known about a plot for Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr to crash deliberately at the race to help Spanish team mate Fernando Alonso win ... I was the one who, when the idea was first suggested to me by Nelson Piquet Jr., should have dismissed it immediately, the Briton said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Motor Racing: Alonso determined to make Singapore F1 podium again Sep 24, 2009
com - Motor Racing Alonso determined to make Singapore F1 podium again. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Formula One will survive scandal, says Hakkinen Sep 23, 2009
F1 has been plunged into controversy after Renault were found to have ordered Nelson Piquet Jr to deliberately crash at last year s Singapore Grand Prix to help his team-mate Fernando Alonso to win the race. Renault team boss Flavio Briatore was barred for life on Monday for his role and former engineering head Pat Symonds was banned for five years. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Motor Racing: Rosberg feels robbed of maiden win Sep 23, 2009
Although Nelson Piquet Jr, sacked by Renault in July after a lacklustre season, was granted immunity by the FIA for blowing the whistle on his former employers, Rosberg believes the Brazilian was let off too easily ... "The only thing I don't quite understand is (why) Nelson Piquet Jr didn't get anything. For me, he's just as involved as the others because he is the one who actually did it and agreed to it.". (Channelnewsasia.com)
FIA come under fire Sep 23, 2009
Motor sport s governing body, the FIA, on Monday handed the Renault Formula One team a suspended ban from the sport for ordering their driver Nelson Piquet Jr to crash in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Renault, who have been involved in F1 since 1977, were in the dock for conspiring with Piquet Jr to cause a deliberate crash to help the Brazilian s team-mate, Fernando Alonso, win the race. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Chelsea to blood youngsters in view of FIFAs transfer ban Sep 23, 2009
Flamboyant co-owner Flavio Briatore has become embroiled in a Formula One scandal, during which the sport s governing body have banned Renault s former team principal from any further involvement, following his role in ordering Nelson Piquet Jr to crash during last year s Singapore Grand Prix. He could now find his position as QPR chairman under threat as there are concerns over whether he is now able to pass the test as a fit and proper person , which is a requirement to own an English club. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Briatore devastated by ban, may sue FIA: Reports Sep 23, 2009
The flamboyant former Renault team boss was handed the sentence by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Monday for fixing last year's Singapore Grand Prix by ordering Nelson Piquet to crash. "I am distraught," the 59-year-old Italian was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. (India Times, India)
Motor Racing: Renault handed two-year suspended ban Sep 22, 2009
"They not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr himself. "The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) considers that offences of this severity merit permanent disqualification from the FIA Formula One World Championship ... It was after that that he and his father, three-time world champion Nelson Piquet senior, claimed that Renault's Briatore and Symonds had conspired to fix the outcome of the race in... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Renault Gets Suspended Ban in Crash Scandal Sep 22, 2009
Washington - Nelson Piquet Jr. wishes every day he had refused orders to deliberately crash at a race ... "Renault F1's breaches not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr. himself," FIA said ... " The 24-year-old Brazilian driver, the son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, criticized Briatore. "All I can tell you is that my situation at Renault turned into a nightmare," said Piquet, who... (ABC 7 News, DC)
Briatore's future as English football club co-owner under threat Sep 22, 2009
The disciplinary action taken against the former Renault team principal for instructing Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash appears to put him in violation of the Football League's "fit and proper person test" governing who can run a club. League rules say that the owner, prospective owner or director of a club should not be "subject to a ban from a sports governing body relating to the administration of their sport.". (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Renault F1 team given two-year suspended ban Sep 22, 2009
PARIS: The Renault Formula One team were today handed a two-year suspended ban from the sport by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for ordering Nelson Piquet junior to crash in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix ... Explaining its decision not to kick Renault out of the sport for life the FIA said in a statement: "The council considers Renault F1's breaches relating to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to be of unparalleled severity. "They not only compromised the integrity of the sport but... (India Times, India)
Motor Racing: Hive of activity as teams gear up for Singapore F1 Grand Prix Sep 22, 2009
" The Italian outfit have had little to cheer about this season and are currently at the bottom of the 10-team constructors' standings with just five points. But some of their backroom staff still managed to break into a jig when piped music was switched on to test the Paddock's sound system. Of the 83,000 tickets available this year, more than 90 per cent have been sold despite the financial crisis and recent furore over last year's crash by Renault's Nelson Piquet Jr, which has tarnished the... (Channelnewsasia.com)
* Renault escape severe punishment over crashgate Sep 22, 2009
Renault escaped severe punishment yesterday for ordering former driver Nelson Piquet Jr to deliberately crash, receiving only a suspended two-year ban from Formula Ones governing body ... Renault F1s breaches not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr himself, FIA said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
MOTORSPORTS Girard's Bonnell takes 9th at Canadian Sprint Races Sep 21, 2009
-The Renault Formula One team will learn its fate today at a hearing into how its former driver Nelson Piquet Jr. was ordered by management to deliberately crash his car, a life-threatening move that further tarnishes a sport rocked by scandals and cheating ... When Piquet Jr. made the Singapore plan public, Briatore responded by threatening legal action, alleging the team had been blackmailed by the Brazilian and his three-time world champion father, Nelson Piquet, to keep the conspiracy quiet.... (Erie Times-News, PA)
* Crashgate is tip of iceberg, Ari Vatanen says Sep 21, 2009
The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) is holding an extraordinary meeting to investigate what some are calling the worst case of cheating in the history of sport X conspiring to cause Renault driver Nelson Piquet juniors deliberate crash at last years Singapore Grand Prix to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the race. What is happening here with Renault is more than just the tip of the iceberg, it is symptomatic of a wider problem, Vatanen told Britains Sunday Telegraph. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Renault F1 future at stake as FIA meets Sep 21, 2009
Formula One's (F1) governing body opened a hearing on Monday into the conduct of French team Renault at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix following the assertions of driver Nelson Piquet that he was ordered to crash during the race ... It was after that he and his father, three-time world champion Nelson Piquet senior, claimed that Renault's Briatore and Symonds had conspired to fix the outcome of the race. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Why Sports Cheats — That's You, Renault — Swindle Us All Sep 20, 2009
The collision by Renault's Nelson Piquet Jr. during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix enabling his teammate to snatch an unlikely victory endangered the driver, his rivals, race marshals and even the spectators. It was, wrote the Times of London's Simon Barnes "the worst single piece of cheating in the history of sport.". (Time.com)
Formula one has growth spurt as Lotus rejoins grid Sep 20, 2009
The 20-year-old Australian last weekend clinched the British Formula Three title, previously won by the likes of Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Mika Hakkinen, all of whom later won F1 world championships. He is just the fourth Australian to have won the British F3 crown, and the three before him - Tim Schenken in 1968, Dave Walker in 1970 and '71, and David Brabham in 1989 - all went on to secure drives in F1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
FIA knew of race fixing Sep 20, 2009
LONDON: Formula One s governing body were made aware last year of allegations that Renault had fixed the Singapore Grand Prix by ordering Brazilian Nelson Piquet to crash, a British newspaper reported on Friday. The Daily Mirror quoted the driver s father and namesake, also a triple world champion, telling investigators that he had spoken informally to FIA race director Charlie Whiting at the season-ending Brazilian race in November. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Top 10 Sporting Cheats Sep 20, 2009
Renault Formula One auto racing driver Brazil's Nelson Piquet Jr.'s car is lifted by a crane while fans watch and take pictures at the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix Lisa Hee / AP Article Tools ... Renault's Formula One motor racing team is not contesting the allegation that one of its drivers, Nelson Piquet Jr., was instructed to crash at the Singapore Grand Prix last year ... Renault's initial response was to accuse the 24-year-old and his father Nelson Piquet of false allegations and... (Time.com)
Piquet backtracks on Alonso claim Sep 19, 2009
NELSON PIQUET snr moved to clarify comments he made regardi 00004000 ng Fernando Alonso's possible involvement in the race-fixing allegations which have engulfed Renault. Piquet, the triple world champion, was unequivocal last week when he claimed the double world champion ''knew everything'' about the plan for his son, Nelson Piquet jnr, to crash in last September's Singapore Grand Prix. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Briatore says he quit to save Renault Sep 18, 2009
Renault says managing director Flavio Briatore and engineering chief executive Pat Symonds are leaving the Formula One team, and that it will not dispute charges that Nelson Piquet Jr. was ordered to crash in a race ... Renault took Nelson Piquet Jr. to court on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, over race-fixing allegations that the French team said were used in an attempt to "blackmail" it into renewing the Formula One driver's contract ... The hearing in Paris will deal with a crash that helped Nelson... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
What now for Renault? Sep 18, 2009
Another concern is whether, given all the negative publicity over ordering Brazilian Nelson Piquet to crash his car to help team mate Fernando Alonso win, the French manufacturer will remain committed to the sport even if allowed to continue racing. Out. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Flamboyant F1 boss falls from grace Sep 18, 2009
Last Friday he cut a defiant figure as he announced criminal proceedings against former driver Nelson Piquet junior and the Brazilians father, Nelson Piquet senior, a former world champion, for making false allegations and blackmail. At Monza he held forth denying all the accusations against him, calling claims that he had conspired to get Piquet junior to crash at last years Singapore Grand Prix outrageous lies. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Briatore quit Renault to save team after scandal Sep 18, 2009
The hearing in Paris will deal with a crash that helped Nelson Piquet Jr.'s teammate, Fernando Alonso, win last year's Singapore Grand Prix. Piquet Jr., who has since left the team, has said he was ordered to crash. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Former Renault bosses face extradition Sep 18, 2009
The two were accused by former driver Nelson Piquet jnr of asking him to crash in last September's race to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the race and were due to appear before the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Monday. Briatore has denied all claims made against him and even announced last week that he had begun legal proceedings against Piquet jnr and his father, triple world champion Nelson Piquet snr, for "attempted blackmail and false allegations" ... Fernando Alonso wins... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Renault F1 chief quits amid race-fixing row Sep 17, 2009
Claimed that Briatore planned the crash of teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. ... Nelson Piquet Jr. during practice for the Singapore Grand Prix in September last year ... Nelson Piquet Jr. claimed Briatore asked him to crash in order to maximize the chances of teammate Fernando Alonso winning the race. (CNN -- World)
Renault fallout begins Sep 17, 2009
Renault have been summoned to appear before the FIA's International Motor Sport Council in Paris on September 21 to answer claims by Nelson Piquet junior that he was asked by Renault to crash deliberately during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, so giving a race-winning advantage to his team-mate Spaniard Fernando Alonso. If Renault are found guilty of race-fixing, they could be expelled from the sport for the role they played in an affair which has been dubbed 'crash-gate. (iAfrica.com)
Another quits Renault Sep 17, 2009
The news comes as the team have decided not to contest the recent allegations made against them, that they conspired with then driver Nelson Piquet Junior to cause a crash at last year's Singapore Grand Prix ... The FIA charged Renault with "conspiring with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jnr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso". (iAfrica.com)
Briatore out at Renault, team not disputing charge Sep 17, 2009
LONDON Renault split with team principal Flavio Briatore on Wednesday and said it would not contest a charge that Nelson Piquet Jr. was ordered to crash during a Formula One race ... On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 Renault said managing director Flavio Briatore and engineering chief executive Pat Symonds are leaving the Formula One team, and that it will not dispute charges that Nelson Piquet Jr. was ordered to crash in a race ... Renault said it "will not dispute the recent allegations made by the... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Briatore rages, Mosley pessimistic about uncovering leaks Sep 14, 2009
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore who has started legal proceedings in France against Piquet Jr and his father Nelson Piquet senior, revealed the depth of his fury when he launched an astonishing tirade against them both during a briefing with Italian reporters. Briatore, who alluded to having suspicions about Piquet Jrs sexual inclinations, accused Piquet senior of treating Renault with the same denigrating manner that he had used against many others in the past. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Roller-coaster Rally Australia rocks the Northern Rivers Sep 13, 2009
The future of Renault in formula one looks shaky after the leaking of the explosive written statement made to the FIA by Renault's sacked driver Nelson Piquet jnr. Central to race-fixing charges to be heard by the FIA on September 21 is Piquet's white-hot claim that the team heavies wanted him to crash deliberately to help his teammate Fernando Alonso win the Singapore Grand Prix. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Force India driver is fastest in free practice for Italian GP Sep 12, 2009
The team, charged with possible race-fixing after allegedly asking former driver Brazilian Nelson Piquet to crash deliberately, issued a statement in which they said they had started legal action against Piquet and his father Nelson Piquet senior. The scandal, unfortunately, overshadowed nearly all of the on-track action in whichthe usual suspects in this years championship battle kept a low profile. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Renault take ex-driver Piquet to court Sep 12, 2009
MONZA: Formula Ones crumbling reputation suffered another bodyblow yesterday when Renault accused former driver Nelson Piquet of blackmail as the race fix controversy took a series of bitter, new twists. Renault announced they were launching criminal proceedings against Piquet and his father, three-time world champion Nelson Piquet senior, in relation to claims that the team conspired to fix the outcome of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Renault's woes deepen Sep 12, 2009
SPECULATION has been raised over Renault's future in formula one after a leaked dossier showed allegations of race-fixing made by the team's former driver, Nelson Piquet jnr. Conjecture had been flying around since the FIA, motor sport's world governing body, confirmed they were investigating the events that led to Renault's Fernando Alonso winning last October's Singapore Grand Prix. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Renault start proceedings against Piquet Sep 12, 2009
Renault refer Nelson Piquet Jr. to police - CNN.com ... Renault refer Nelson Piquet Jr. to police ... Renault commence legal action against Nelson Piquet Jr over race-fixing claim. (CNN -- International)
Renault asked Piquet to crash, says transcript Sep 11, 2009
Nelson Piquet in his Renault car competing in the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix under lights last year ... Formula One was left reeling overnight after a leaked transcript of Brazilian Nelson Piquet's evidence in the latest 'race-fixing' controversy revealed that, according to him, he was asked by his Renault team to crash deliberately at last year's Singapore Grand Prix ... Nelson Piquet in his Renault car competing in the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix under lights last year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Motor Racing: Alonso dismisses talk of Renault crash conspiracy Sep 11, 2009
" Renault have been called to appear at an International Motoring Federation (FIA) World Motor Sports Council hearing on September 21 in Paris to explain events that took place in Singapore prior to the race in which Alonso was victorious, having benefited from an early pit-stop before his then team-mate Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed. It has been widely reported that Piquet may have spun into a wall of the street circuit deliberately on lap 14, two laps after Alonso pitted. One paddock... (Channelnewsasia.com)
F1 left reeling - again Sep 11, 2009
Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet ... Formula One was left reeling on Thursday after a leaked transcript of Brazilian Nelson Piquet's evidence in the latest 'race-fixing' controversy revealed that, according to him, he was asked by his Renault team to crash deliberately at last year's Singapore Grand Prix. (iAfrica.com)
Alonso 'surprised' by Renault race-fix probe Sep 11, 2009
Former teammate Nelson Piquet Jnr's crash is at center of the investigation ... Fernando Alonso won the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix after Renault teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed ... The Spaniard's Renault team face a probe from world motorsport's governing body the FIA on September 21 over claims that Nelson Piquet Jnr crashed on purpose, making it easier for his teammate to win the race due to the introduction of the safety car. (CNN -- International)
Scandal and formula one have become synonymous terms Sep 6, 2009
FORMULA ONE has been rocked by allegations that Renault asked its sacked former driver Nelson Piquet jnr to deliberately crash in order to bring out the safety car at last year's Singapore Grand Prix, helping teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race. The FIA has launched an investigation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Motor Racing: Renault summoned by FIA in Singapore race-fix probe Sep 5, 2009
that the team conspired with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso. " Alonso's victory in Singapore came after he had enjoyed the advantage of refuelling just before Piquet's crash, which introduced the safety car period. Piquet has denied all suggestions that he was ordered to crash and instead he has insisted that he spun off... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Renault to front FIA over 'staged' crash Sep 5, 2009
The meeting will take place on September 21 when team officials will be asked to account for Nelson Piquet's crash in the night race, after suspicions were raised that the accident was intentional with the aim of helping team-mate Fernando Alonso win ... "The team representatives have been called to answer charges... that the team conspired with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Renault facing F1 race-fixing allegations Sep 5, 2009
Fernando Alonso won the race, aided by crash from team-mate Nelson Piquet ... The allegation surrounds last season's Singapore Formula One Grand Prix when Fernando Alonso won the race, aided by a crash from then team-mate Nelson Piquet Jnr ... A statement from the FIA read: "Representatives of ING Renault F1 have been requested to appear before an extraordinary meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Monday, 21 September, 2009. "The team representatives have been called to... (CNN -- International)
Ecclestone worried Renault may leave Formula 1 Sep 2, 2009
F1's governing body is investigating "alleged incidents,'' believed to be a crash by Nelson Piquet Jr. that allowed teammate Alonso to take advantage of an early pit stop and win last year's Singapore Grand Prix. Ecclestone said Renault team principal Flavio Briatore told him he knows of no such conspiracy. Piquet Jr. crashed on the 13th lap, and Alonso's gamble to run a short 12-lap strategy before pitting paid off as the Spanish driver went on to an unlikely victory. "This is not the sort of... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
