Renault
F1 boss Flavio Briatore has paid tribute to those closest to the team for their support during the recent investigation into alleged misuse of
McLaren data.
As with McLaren at its initial hearing, the Enstone operation was found guilty of being in possession of information belonging to another team, but the
FIA decided not to issue a punishment. While McLaren was subsequently recalled to a second, appeal, hearing in its row with
Ferrari, where it was fined $100m and stripped of all of its constructors' points, Renault appears to have got off lightly with little more than a slapped wrist after an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco.
Renault issued a brief statement following confirmation of the decision, welcoming the outcome despite its acknowledged breach of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.
“I would like to thank
Renault, our title sponsor ING and all our partners for their wholehearted support during this sensitive period," MD Briatore commented, no doubt relieved that the
regie will likely decide to remain on the grid, "I also wish to pay tribute to the team, which has handled the matter with integrity and dignity. We are pleased that we can now focus fully on our preparations for the 2008 championship.”
Detailed reasons for the WMSC decision will be issued later today [Friday 7 December], with a transcript of the proceedings to follow 'as soon as possible thereafter'.
