Formula One news

Piquet: I will not be bullied again

Nelson Piquet has vowed never 'to be bullied again' into making a forced decision such as the one he allegedly made ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix last year. The Brazilian claims to have been forced into crashing on purpose during the night race although the Renault team fiercely denies such accusations.

With Piquet having crashed at Turn 17 on Lap 14 of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, there is no doubting that Renault team-mate Fernando Alonso benefitted from the incident's subsequent Safety Car period before going on to win the race. It is unclear at this point, however, as to whether Piquet's claims are true and, if so, to what extend.

Nelson Piquet Jr.

'Regarding the current FIA investigation, I confirm that I have co-operated fully and honestly with the sport's governing body,' Piquet wrote on his website, 'because I am telling the truth I have nothing to fear, whether from the ING Renault Team or Mr. (Flavio) Briatore (Renault Managing Director) and, 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 (WMSC) and I will be making no further comment until the conclusion of the hearing of 21 September 2009.'

Flavio Briatore

Briatore, on the other hand, has launched legal proceedings again Piquet and father/manager Nelson Piquet Sr, claiming that the allegations are 'outrageous'. "The fact that we (supposedly) put a plan for blackmail against the two Piquets means that I think we are very confident that the truth will come out," the Italian commented.

"You know what? Whatever happens, if someone goes against the rules, they go against the rules. If I tell you to go rob a bank: afterwards, you decide whether to rob the bank or not. I don't feel I have any responsibility and we don't feel we have done absolutely anything."

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