How Nelson Piquet Jnr was 'told to crash' by team chiefs

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In that meeting, Piquet claimed he was given clear instructions on where and when to crash during the first floodlit race in Formula One. According to Piquet's submission, Symonds instructed the Brazilian driver to crash on turn 17 of the 14th lap. Renault had identified that specific corner due to the absence of cranes to lift the wreckage, making the deployment of the safety car inevitable. Piquet's Renault team-mate, Fernando Alonso, changed tyres on lap 12 and directly benefitted from the safety car interruption. Having started in 15th place on the grid, the 2006 world champion moved steadily up the field to claim his first victory - and podium finish - of the 2008 season.

Film of the crash shows Piquet exit the corner, spin across the circuit and slam sideways into the wall. He claims data shows he pressed earlier and harder on the throttle on the exit of turn 17 than on previous laps.

Footage of the crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix

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