F1: Renault – No Comment On Crash-Gate Summons

Formula 1

F1: Renault – No Comment On Crash-Gate Summons

Renault said it would be making no comment after acknowledging its summons to a WMSC hearing later this month...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted September 05, 2009 GMM Newswire

A spokesperson for Renault said the changes allowed by the FIA were all in accordance with the rules allowing modifications on grounds of cost reduction and reliability. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Renault said it would be making no comment after acknowledging its summons to an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council later this month.

As first reported by SPEEDtv.com Friday, the FIA on charged the French team with conspiring with sacked driver Nelson Piquet to crash deliberately at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix "with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso".

The hearing will take place September 21-22 in Paris.

The investigation was prompted by evidence submitted to the FIA by Piquet Jr, who gave his evidence in the presence of the FIA’s legal advisors, during interviews while at Spa.

The World Council will decide whether Renault breached Article 151c of the International Sporting Code, which comes under the heading of ‘fraudulent conduct.’

As SPEEDtv.com’s Adam Cooper pointed out, the investigation will happen in the days immediately prior to this year’s Singapore race. FIA sources have made it clear that the case is being taken very seriously and that a ban could result. That could mean the team missing at least the last four races of the season, which would leave a field of just 18 cars.

"Before attending the hearing, the team will not make any further comment," Renault said in a statement.

F1 RaceCast Online Now! Follow Formula One live online timing & scoring, practice, qualifying, race coverage, commentary and more on SPEEDtv.com!