BenB
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 12:45 PM |
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Renault F1: Pat Symonds transcript
Off Autosport (who got it off The Times)... Why are the FIA offering him immunity. If this ain't a confession I don't know what is!! 
Transcript of Pat Symonds' FIA interview
Tuesday, September 15th 2009, 06:44 GMT
This if the official transcript of the relevant parts of an interview between FIA representatives and Pat Symonds, at the Belgian Grand Prix,
discussing the Singapore Grand Prix race-fix allegations and the race morning meeting between himself, Flavio Briatore and Nelson Piquet.
FIA adviser: In your own words Mr. Symonds what do you recall being said to Nelson Piquet Jnr at that meeting? This is shortly before the race.
Symonds: I don't really remember it.
FIA adviser: You don't remember?
Symonds: No.
FIA adviser: Nelson Piquet Jnr says that he was asked by you to cause a deliberate crash. Is that true?
Symonds: Nelson had spoken to me the day before and suggested that. That's all I'd really like to say.
(...)
FIA adviser: Mr Symonds were you aware that there was going to be crash at Lap 14?
Symonds: I don't want to answer that question.
(...)
FIA adviser: There is just one thing that I ought to ask you and put it to you so you can think about it at least. Mr. Piquet Jnr says that having had
the initial meeting with you and Flavio Briatore you then met him individually with the map of the circuit. Do you remember that?
Symonds: I won't answer, rather not answer that. I don't recall it but it sounds like Nelson's talked a lot more about it.
FIA adviser: Mr. Piquet Jnr also says at that meeting you pointed out a specific place on the circuit where he was to have the accident and said it
was because it was the furthest away from any of the safety or lifting equipment and gave the most likely chance of a safety car being deployed.
Symonds: I don't, I don't want to answer that question.
FIA adviser: [Referring to the pre-race meeting] Was it you that did the talking at that meeting Mr. Symonds?
Symonds: I'm sure it would have been both of us but I don't know for sure. Sorry that's a contradiction. I would imagine it would be
both of us that would be normal. Actually probably more often it's Flavio that does the talking himself. I wouldn't necessarily always
agree with what he's saying but the majority.
FIA adviser: Because just to be absolutely clear here what Nelson Piquet Jnr has said is that at that meeting it was you that asked him to have a
crash deliberately?
Symonds: I can't answer you.
FIA adviser: Can I say that if Mr. Symonds you'd been put in the position where you were made to ask Mr. Piquet Jnr to crash it's much
better, it would be much better for you in the long term to tell these stewards to hear that today?
Symonds: I fully understand that.
FIA adviser: Yes.
Symonds: I have no intention of lying to you. I have not lied to you but I have reserved my position just a little.
FIA adviser: And you're aware that the stewards may draw conclusions from your unwillingness to assist them in relation to what went on in that
meeting?
Symonds: I would expect them to. I would absolutely expect that.
FIA adviser: I think I haven't got any further questions.
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scootz
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 12:55 PM |
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F1 is more of a spectacle than a sport these days!
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MikeCapon
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 12:59 PM |
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If you want the whole lot, including the telemetry and the radio transmissions (which is 50% F***, F******) go
here which is fascinating reading.
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nick205
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 01:28 PM |
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interesting to skim through that lot.
just confirms to me that F1 is not a sport, but a charade based on money and ego - pathetic!
A1 GP anyone?.....oh wait a minute....that will probably be the same thing won't it 
[Edited on 15/9/09 by nick205]
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carpmart
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 01:46 PM |
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Does all look a bit dodgy. I thought Pat was one of the old school good guys, hope I'm wrong in what I am thinking now!
You only live once - make the most of it!
Radical Clubsport, Kwaker motor
'94 MX5 MK1, 1.8
F10 M5 - 600bhp Daily Hack 
Range Rover Sport - Wife's Car
Mercedes A class - Son's Car
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designer
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 01:51 PM |
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This has been going on for years, much more than viewers know.
In the 80's when the suspension would be lowered after the start of the race, if the suspension did not raise on the slowing down lap, drivers
were told to stuff the car into the barrier and walk home.
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James
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 04:03 PM |
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In what sport is their not cheating???
Football- diving in the box, Bruce Grobbelar(sp?) and co.
Cricket- various people have been caught in betting scandals
Rugby- bloodgate
It's rife and maybe more so because of the money. But it has always gone on in F1. Schumacher/Hill, Senna/Prost are obvious examples.
Even in amateur sports I see it. In Savate kickboxing the rules are pretty strict on kicking to the groin.
There is an Italian fighter I've seen lying on the floor crying to claim a foul for this when I've video evidence he's been kicked
not much higher than the knee!
It's life sadly.
I have *never* cheated in Savate knowingly. But I no full well how to play the rules to their fullest and do indulge in 'gamesmanship'-
much like any of the good fighters who want to get far!
Cheers,
James
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"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights."
- Muhammad Ali
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BenB
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 04:56 PM |
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To be fair Nelson had been practising crashing all season and has been using the same tactic ever since....
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Nash
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| posted on 15/9/09 at 10:33 PM |
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The boys a fool as he can kiss any kind of F1 (and even lesser formulas) career goodbye as no-one would want to employ him after this.
Lets not think he is taking the high ground and being an honest citizen, he only bleeted about it after he lost his ride for being rubbish.
Now he has just managed to sh*t in his own nest..... Prat.
As for The silver foxes why should they be different to anyone else along the pitlane, who would cheat in the blink of an eye to gain any advantage
let alone a race win worth millions to the team in sponsor money.
IMHO...........Neil
It's What You Do Next That Counts.
Build It, Buy It, Drive It:
Southern Kit Car Club
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RK
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| posted on 16/9/09 at 02:05 AM |
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Professional sport tends to be anything but. Everyone gets paid to put on a show. And that's all it is and ever will be.
As for some of the athletes. They tend to be a little on the dim side in general. Of course, that's just all the ones I've met. See:
Python, M. "Well, Brian ...and there it was in the back of the net"
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MikeR
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| posted on 16/9/09 at 12:00 PM |
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and now they've resigned ........
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scudderfish
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| posted on 16/9/09 at 12:03 PM |
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8258987.stm
quote:
Flavio Briatore has left his position as boss of the Renault team after they decided not to contest charges of fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand
Prix.
Executive director of engineering Pat Symonds has also left the team.
Renault were summoned by governing body, the FIA, after Nelson Piquet Jr claimed he had been asked to crash to help team-mate Fernando Alonso's
race.
It is not known if Renault must still face the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Monday to answer the charges
More to follow
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