Renault F1 in turmoil

The Renault Formula 1 team have decided not to contest the charges brought against them concerning the alleged race fixing furore surrounding Nelson Piquet Jr’s crash at the Singapore Grand Prix last year.

Piquet Jr was sacked by the team earlier in the season and had since suggested that Renault asked him to crash to further the chances of team mate Fernando Alonso.

As a result of the allegations Renault were asked to answer charges with regard to the incident in question. As a result, the two men that Piquet Jr testified had instructed him to crash the car, Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds, have now left the team.

Renault had previously stated that Piquet Jr had made false allegations and would be taking legal action against him. It now seems likely that this will not happen and the removal of the two men by Renault themselves could be read as an admission of guilt by Renault.

What punishment they will receive is yet to be seen, but it is not a good day for Formula 1.