Investigation by the FIA on the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix
The FIA is launching an investigation into the events that took place during the last Singapore Grand Prix, where Fernando Alonso benefited from the victory thanks to the accident of his teammate Nelson Piquet. The success was sealed due to the timing of the safety car’s deployment, right after Piquet Jr.’s crash. Alonso took advantage […]
The FIA is launching an investigation into the events that took place during the last Singapore Grand Prix, where Fernando Alonso benefited from the victory thanks to the accident of his teammate Nelson Piquet. The success was sealed due to the timing of the safety car’s deployment, right after Piquet Jr.’s crash. Alonso took advantage of this to refuel and thus take the lead in the race.
Doubts remain about the timing of Piquet’s accident and may lead us to consider a theory that the Brazilian deliberately caused his crash in order to allow Renault to win their first Grand Prix of the season.
“It was my mistake,” Piquet said. “We tried two different strategies with Fernando. I was on a long strategy, and Fernando on a short strategy hoping for a safety car. If I hadn’t crashed into a wall, there would have been another safety car afterwards,” confirmed the ex-Renault driver.
However, new allegations have prompted the FIA to verify the truthfulness of the statements. Indeed, since the dismissal of Nelson Piquet Jr. by Renault, he has been violently criticizing the diamond team – and particularly Flavio Briatore, the team manager. The media still do not know if it was the Brazilian who became the catalyst of the investigation, or if the evidence came from elsewhere.
The FIA confirms that an investigation is underway regarding the alleged incidents during a previous race of the world championship, stated the FIA spokesperson. If the FIA’s investigation suggests that the evidence is sufficient, the Board of Directors could convene a hearing of the World Motor Sport Council to discuss the matter.
