Piquet not worried by Renault action

Nelson Piquet Junior is adamant he has “nothing to fear” after Renault today launched criminal proceedings against him and his father.

On a day of twists and turns, remarkable even by the standards of Formula One, Piquet Jnr has robustly stood his ground in the face of Renault’s considerable clout.

The team, following yesterday’s leaked publication of a statement made by Piquet to the FIA detailing the conspiratorial events of last season’s Singapore Grand Prix, today turned the furore into a legal matter.

It concerns what Renault described in a statement as “the making of false allegations and a related attempt to blackmail the team into allowing Mr Piquet Jnr to drive for the remainder of the 2009 season.”

The team have filed their action through the criminal prosecutor in France who, given the severity of the case, is to address the issue within the week, whilst it has also been referred to police in the UK.

Piquet, though, is refusing to wilt despite the legal pressure now being brought to bear upon him and his three-times world champion father.

“Regarding the current FIA investigation, I confirm that I have co-operated fully and honestly with the sport’s governing body,” said Piquet.

“Because I am telling the truth I have nothing to fear, whether from the ING Renault Team, or Mr (Flavio) Briatore.

“Whilst I am well aware of the power and influence of those being investigated, and the vast resources at their disposal, I will not be bullied again into making a decision I regret.

“I have every confidence in the FIA investigation and World Motor Sport Council, and I will be making no further comment until the conclusion of the hearing of 21 September, 2009.”

At that meeting of the WMSC in Paris, Renault will answer charges they conspired with Piquet Jnr to cause a deliberate crash to the advantage of Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the sport’s first night race.

Piquet has claimed he held a meeting with Briatore and director of engineering Pat Symonds prior to the race during which he was told to crash his car, which he agreed to.

Believing his career with Renault at that time was in the balance, and even though no guarantees were given at that stage, Piquet Jnr felt it would enhance his prospects of retaining his seat.

Briatore, speaking for the first time in the paddock at Monza ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix since the allegations first came to light 12 days ago in Belgium, is confident he and the team will win their respective cases.

“We don’t feel we have done anything wrong,” insisted Briatore.

“The fact is we put forward a plan today in the criminal court in Paris against the two Piquets, and we are very confident the truth will come out.

“We have enough confidence, our lawyers, myself and Renault, about this happening, and that we will be successful.”

Briatore refused to elaborate on any of the details, as to whether a meeting with Piquet did take place, or the nature of the alleged blackmail.

The Italian, though, does fear for Renault’s future in light of the bad publicity that has surrounded his team this season.

“I feel really upset, really sad,” remarked Briatore.

“What you have seen with this leak is that everything was against Renault.

“Wherever it has come from, it has caused major damage to Renault, and the members of Renault.

“It’s not just about me and the drivers, it’s the 500 to 600 people working for Renault.

“It is making Renault consider whether or not to be a part of this world any more.

“But this leak is damaging to Formula One, and it brings the sport into disrepute.”

When asked as to his feelings towards the Piquets, Briatore could not resist another dig at the 24-year-old.

“Every time he is racing it is because he owns the team as well,” said Briatore, referring to the fact his career has been financed by his father.

“I feel Nelsinho is a very spoiled guy. He is very fragile.”

Piquet Jnr, though, has been granted immunity from prosecution by the FIA after providing his evidence via two statements.

The situation is akin to the spy saga of 2007 when McLaren drivers Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and reserve Pedro de la Rosa were informed by the FIA no action would be taken against them in return for providing statements relating to the case.

Asked whether any promise had been made to the Brazilian for his co-operation, FIA President Max Mosley replied: “Yes. We have said that to him.

“I don’t know exactly how it was phrased, but he has been told if he tells us the truth he will not be proceeded against.”