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Piquet Reveals Pain and Suffering During Crash-Gate

More than two years after the most embarrassing episode in the recent history of Formula One, the crash-gate leading Singapore Grand Prix of 2008, the main character in that play went forward and disclosed the preparation and the feelings he experienced prior and during the fixed race.

Yes, we're talking about Nelson Piquet Jr., who recently won his case in the High Court against Renault and who gave The Times an exclusive interview in which he leads the readers throughout the much-discussed weekend in Singapore two years ago. In it, he reveals the pressure he was put under by team boss Flavio Briatore and engineering chief Pat Symonds and what pushed him to go forward with the story in 2009.

It all started with the words: “Look, both cars are at the back of the grid. We are in a situation where we are not going to get anywhere in this race unless something extraordinary happens.” That statement was made in private by Symonds, when discussing the race strategy with Piquet and Briatore.

I just sat there listening because I couldn't figure out where this was going,” Piquet recalls. “They were both very fidgety and the situation was incredibly tense. I don't think I had said a word by this point. It was only after five minutes that Flavio made his pitch. 'Look, the only way we can benefit in any way out here is by getting a safety car on the course at the right moment.'”

I just sat there, looking at them. They both reminded me of what had happened in Germany when someone had crashed just after I had pitted and I came second in the race. " 'Do you want to help the team?' Flavio said. 'If you crash at the right moment, it could change everything.'

Piquet went on with the story and said the two Renault managers showed him the exact place on the map where he'd have to crash the next day, including the time of the race (lap 14). “Everything was short and sharp and he would get angry if you did not agree immediately,” added the Brazilian driver, describing Briatore's temper during the plan set-up.

I was still trying to establish a reputation in Formula One and he always reminded me that my fate was in his hands. I did everything to try to please him, but he only ever seemed to criticize me.

Needless to say, Piquet had second thoughts about the plan, which apparently triggered Briatore's anger. “What the hell do you think you are doing? You have done nothing this year. Nobody else wants you'. I remember crying down the phone to my father the night before qualifying in Singapore. I couldn't take it any more.”

Eventually, he agreed to the plan and described each feeling he went through in the first 13 laps of the race. Then, in Lap 14, he knew what he had to do.

I came around the chicane on lap 14 and I could feel my stomach tighten. I was incredibly scared, it was like a dream. I touched the rear wheel on the wall and then stepped on the throttle to crash into the other wall. I felt no pain on impact, but the adrenalin was pumping. I felt in control of the car throughout the crash.”

After that, we all know what happened, as the Safety Car was deployed in Lap 14, causing a major reshuffle of the F1 field, with Fernando Alonso emerging as new race leader. The story was revealed only a year later, when Piquet was ousted from the Enstone team by the same Briatore. Continuing with his confession, Piquet admitted part of disclosing the whole crash-gate was because he wanted to get back at the Italian boss.

If I am being honest, I think I was motivated more by anger against Flavio than by a desire for a clean conscience,” said Piquet.

Looking back, it seems like a lifetime ago, but I know I will never fully escape from its shadow. I apologise unreservedly for what I did. I just hope people will understand the pressures I was under. It is no excuse, but I was a deeply unhappy person. I am a stronger man today. If the question was asked again, I am sure I would have the strength to say no,” he concluded.
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