So the verdict is in… according to multiple sources, the Renault F1 team did indeed admit a breach of the FIA rules.  They admitted that they had conspired with then current driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore GP.

And they have been punished.  Renault, team boss Flavio Briatore and engineering head Pat Symonds have all been punished.

Now, the evidence was a bit overwhelming, so what did Renault really think the outcome would be with or without admitting fault?  Though the drama leading up to this case has been stellar to say the least.  In an attempt to sidetrack the media, head man Flavio Briatore accused driver Piquet Jr. of being gay and having sex with an older man… references HERE. Then another former driver, Derek Warwick, chimed in and said that Nelson Piquet Jr. is indeed at fault and should be banned from the sport… for life… article HERE.  Ya know what Warwick, things are a bit different now from what they were in the 80's no matter what you may think.

Bottom line is that Derek Warwick doesn't sit on the World Motorsport Council… fortunately for Nelson Piquet Jr. as he is now a free man. 

Here is how it has shaken out, with results posted via our friends at the trial:

1.  Renault F1 Team has been given a lifetime ban in the sport, with a 2 year suspension – TRANSLATION: They have 2 years to be on their best behavior or else they will be pulled from the lineup permanently.  If they are clean in the next 730 days, then the lifetime ban will be lifted.
    UPDATE: Great clarification in article by our friends again at CRASH.net:
    However, with the team having admitted its guilt and taken steps to
    address the problem by removing both Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds
    from their roles, the decision was taken to suspend the disqualification
    until the end of the 2011 season. Any comparable breach during that
    time will see Renault's disqualification from the sport activated.

2.  Managing Director, Series Playboy, Harsh Accuser et al Flavio Briatore has been given a lifetime ban (with no room for appeal and no kind suspension period from what I am told) – HUGE OUCH, but HUGELY deserved
    And Clarification based on FIA's quotes:
    The FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event,
    Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr.
    Briatore in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any
    Team or other entity engaging Mr. Briatore in any capacity
    whatsoever. It also hereby instructs all officials present at FIA-
    sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Briatore access to any areas
    under the FIA's jurisdiction
       Hello there! And in addition to this quote we were told that the
       FIA will also not renew the superlicense of any driver associated
       with Flavio 'or any entity or individual associated with him' which
       basically means that Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Heikki
       Kovalainen are free agents, looking for representation, and that
       McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull Racing need to help to correct the
       driver-agent situation or they will face punishment, too… just
       for being associated indirectly with Briatore! This could be the
       most serious ban handed down by the World Motorsport Council that I
       have ever heard of…

3.  Engineering Director Pat Symonds has been given a 5 year ban in the sport – TRANSLATION: Come work in IndyCar or NASCAR… the invitation is wide open we're sure…

4.  Former Driver Nelson Piquet Jr. has been granted immunity from any sanctions – But will he ever race again in F1 (in part thanks to Derek Warwick's comments above)? – UPDATE: Nelson has provided a statement on his website… have a look

5.  Driver Fernando Alonso has been found completely innocent of the situation

Apparently Piquet, Briatore and others left the hearing and provided no comments… but as they trickle in, we will do our best to keep you up to date.

Ah, the drama of F1!  Love it!

CrashG@SpeedFreaks.TV