The FIA last week officially charged Renault with conspiracy to fix the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, accusing the Enstone based team of telling Nelson Piquet to crash in the wall during the aforementioned race in order to trigger the deployment of the safety car. By doing so, Fernando Alonso jumped into 1st place, which he didn't let go until the finish line.
Spanish newspaper AS already started making speculations on the FIA charges, issuing a report in which they reveal Renault instructed Piquet to crash out of the race from as early as Saturday night. Briatore and Symonds allegedly set up the race strategy the night before the race, telling the Brazilian driver to dive into the wall during a specific lap.
In exchange, the Brazilian rookie was promised an extension to his deal with Renault, which was to run out at the end of 2008. Curiously enough, after a couple of grands prix, Piquet was confirmed for another season at Enstone.
Hand in hand with the aforementioned scenario comes Piquet's comments the other week, less than a month after he was ousted by Renault from their 2009 lineup. Thought to be at the origin of this whole scandal – probably because he was fired by Renault midway though the season – Piquet revealed that some “strange situations” have happened during his stay at Renault.
The WMSC hearing, in which Renault have been summoned to appear before the members of the council and defend their case, has been scheduled for September the 21st. If found guilty, Renault risk expulsion from the sport.
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