Singapore 2008: Briatore and Symmonds resign

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BeansBeansBeans

I hate to be cynical but Renault have let them go in the hope that they'll get a much lighter punishment, a la 'lie-gate'.

---

All the same it's a fairly big move

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

Blimey indeed, and may I add a blummin' 'eck!!! :eek:

So have they been pushed out so that Renault avoids any more negative publicity? Did one or both of them initiate the "race fix" idea? What of Piquet - does this do anything to help him? What happens to Briatore's legal action?

I care little for Briatore, but Pat Symonds? He's been around since the Toleman days and it's difficult to imagine him involved, but clearly he was involved in some way :dozey:

---

And a 'Chuffin' Nora' from me please..... :eek:

Both Britore and Symonds are gone!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by henners88

Thats a very good question.. They don't come much more experienced than Pat Symonds and I can imagine he'll be a difficult guy to replace. Flav on the other hand is a great politics man and you can always garrantee the team will get coverage (although his latest stunt a little negative), but he is more replaceable IMO... I think Renault may very soon be announcing their intentions for next year.. Not participating that is... :)

---

Neither Briatore nor Symonds will be easy to replace.

They were both #1 and #2 in charge at Benetton/Renault when they won 4 titles over the past 15 years, brilliant acheivements considering the much larger budgets at Williams, Ferrari and McLaren at different stages during that time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Malllen

Neither Briatore nor Symonds will be easy to replace.

They were both #1 and #2 in charge at Benetton/Renault when they won 4 titles over the past 15 years, brilliant acheivements considering the much larger budgets at Williams, Ferrari and McLaren at different stages during that time.

---

Now, the problem the FIA face is as follows;

Who was responsible - Flavio, Piquet(s) or Pat?

I like to think Pat was acting under orders - and I understand that this does not excuse him - but I would find it easier to swallow if he was not the instigator.

Now, is it coincidence that Renault/Benetton have previous form - launch control that wasnt used but there nonetheless, fuel filters removed to increase flow, and now this....

Is there a common denomenator? Both Flavio and Pat were there at the time.

Also, was Alonso aware in respect of Singapore? Are we really expected to believe a driver of his undesputed calibre would not question not only such a light fuel load, but a pit stop two laps early????

I reckon DI Frost would have trouble working this one out, even with the help of Terry Reed!!!

Is there some who believe that Alonso didn't know of this? I don't think that's possible – and his tactic tells that he did know. He had very early pit stop and it’s not normally if you start that long back on the greed.

The question is now - what happens with him, I can not think that Alonso’s part of this mess will not come out - soon or later - and better soon and later. :s

I wonder what will happen with the WMSC hearing now. Will it still go ahead as planned?

I def don't think Piquet ... a rookie, would ever suggest to Flavio and Pat,that he should be allowed to crash.....

Another VERY valid point is this;

Massa lost the title last year by a gnats chuff. We have to take account of the botched traffic light pit release system, but, without the SC etc, would the Ferrari crew have been more relaxed?

Given Massa's current situation, his career could - and I so hope not - be destined to 'go for a Burton' if he is not the man he was.

He lost therefore theoretically his only realistic chance of becoming WDC...

All theoretical of course, but one man's greed has lost another man's well deserved reward.

And I am not taking anything away from Lewis here either.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by harsha

I def don't think Piquet ... a rookie, would ever suggest to Flavio and Pat,that he should be allowed to crash.....

---

Only one Piquet is a rookie remember.....