FIA investigates Renault cheating claims
Renault could be excluded from Formula One if it is found guilty of cheating at last year's inaugural Singapore grand prix.
The French team is in trouble following reports that it instructed its then driver Nelson Piquet to crash on purpose at the 2008 race.
The crash prompted a safety car period which allowed fellow Renault driver Fernando Alonso to take the lead and eventually win the race.
Two laps prior to the safety car period Alonso took an unusually early pitstop and filled up with fuel to get him to the end of the race. During the safety car period other teams pitted for fuel and Alonso was promoted to the front of the pack.
Alonso had qualified 15th and, prior to his fuel stop, was 84.5 seconds behind the leader, Felipe Massa, in the Ferrari.
After his Singapore victory Alonso said: 'The first safety car helped me a lot and I was able to win.' His team-mate, Piquet claimed he had made a mistake.
F1's governing body, the FIA, is investigating. If it reveals foul play it would refer the incident to the World Motor Sport Council and if the WMSC finds Renault guilty, the team will face a range of punishments including fines, race bans and even exclusion from the world championship.
FIA investigates Renault cheating claims - Latest Car News from 4Car
The French team is in trouble following reports that it instructed its then driver Nelson Piquet to crash on purpose at the 2008 race.
The crash prompted a safety car period which allowed fellow Renault driver Fernando Alonso to take the lead and eventually win the race.
Two laps prior to the safety car period Alonso took an unusually early pitstop and filled up with fuel to get him to the end of the race. During the safety car period other teams pitted for fuel and Alonso was promoted to the front of the pack.
Alonso had qualified 15th and, prior to his fuel stop, was 84.5 seconds behind the leader, Felipe Massa, in the Ferrari.
After his Singapore victory Alonso said: 'The first safety car helped me a lot and I was able to win.' His team-mate, Piquet claimed he had made a mistake.
F1's governing body, the FIA, is investigating. If it reveals foul play it would refer the incident to the World Motor Sport Council and if the WMSC finds Renault guilty, the team will face a range of punishments including fines, race bans and even exclusion from the world championship.
FIA investigates Renault cheating claims - Latest Car News from 4Car
