Mohammed ben Sulayem: Keeping Renault in F1 Was Main Target

Most of the pundits agreed that Renault's suspended ban as a result of their involvement in the crash-gate was outrageously light, as compared to the gravity of the sanctions usually handed in race-fixing situation. Considering that this was arguably named the biggest scandal in the history of Formula One, getting away without even paying a fine doesn't do a great deal of good to the FIA in terms of image.

However, the mystery was cleared up by Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA vice-president and United Arab Emirates' automobile club president, who admitted that the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) voted more for the good of the sport rather than strictly analyze Renault's guilt in the case.

Losing a manufacturer in such difficult economic times would not have been good for anyone, and Sulayem knew that all too well. Especially since Abu Dhabi will make its debut in F1 this year, and not having Renault there would have seriously affected the show.

“It is a fair verdict. It's good for the FIA, the World Council and motorsport in general. We are not here to hang teams, we did our negotiations before and everybody is happy with the result. Everybody wants harmony and teams behaving – hopefully we have encouraged that,” said the UAE official in an interview with The National newspaper.

“I had to be loyal to my country as well as motorsport. Protecting the investments Abu Dhabi has made into Formula One is my duty; it is a big show and it needs teams. But this is the pinnacle of motorsport and it needs teams to follow the rules. Max (Mosley) handled it in the best way. I'm sorry if people have personal issues (with him), but we all want to see Renault (in F1). This is the result everyone wanted,” added Sulayem.