Head calls for 'firm' punishment

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Renault face the World Motor Sport Council in Paris in eight days' time on a charge of conspiring with then driver Nelson Piquet Jnr to cause a deliberate crash at last season's Singapore Grand Prix, aiding Fernando Alonso who went on to win the race.

"If young Nelson was asked to deliberately crash or spin his car, regardless of his contractual position, in my view he should have said no at the time," said Head. "If that did happen, then the people responsible should be dealt with pretty firmly."

"There were all sorts of rumours at the time, but to me it's a pretty extraordinary situation," he added. "Young drivers, before they have established their name in F1, are in quite a difficult position."

After providing the FIA with sworn statements, Mosley has granted Piquet Jnr immunity against punishment, which Head understands.

"Young people, when they are under pressure, do make mistakes," added Head on the claim by the Brazilian that he crashed his car to safeguard his future with the team.

"I would put 99% of the blame on the people that asked him to do that, if that's what happened.

"Ultimately, if that's what happened and that's what he did, then in my view he made a mistake to agree to do it.

"But young people under pressure do make mistakes and I don't necessarily think they need to be crucified as a result."