FIA to protect Piquet

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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.

The evidence of double world champion Alonso, in particular, proved especially damning for McLaren as they were fined a sporting record £50million after being found guilty of being in possession of files belonging to rivals Ferrari.

Motor sport's world governing body have now decided to protect Piquet Jnr after details emerged relating to last year's Singapore Grand Prix, sparking a case they regard as more serious than the McLaren issue.

At an extraordinary hearing of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on September 21, 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.

In a further twist on Friday, Renault and managing director Flavio Briatore have commenced legal proceedings in France against Piquet Jnr and his father, Nelson Piquet Senior.

It concerns "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".

FIA president Max Mosley, however, has confirmed Piquet Jnr will not face any punishment after providing the organisation with two statements.

Asked whether any promise had been made to the Brazilian for his co-operation, 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."

Mosley insists, even if the WMSC side with Renault, or no decision is reached due to an element of doubt, Piquet Jnr will still avoid any personal penalty.