F1

Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso (R) arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 following Renault F1 team lawyer Andrew Ford (L) for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso (R) arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 following Renault F1 team lawyer Andrew Ford (L) for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso (R) arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 following Renault F1 team lawyer Andrew Ford (L) for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton attends F1 in Schools World Championship on September 17, 2009 in London, England. F1 in schools is a multi disciplinary challange in which teams of students aged 9-19 project and race miniature gas powered cars.

Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr (C) arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving the Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Nelson Piquet Jr claimed. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (R), plays football with youngsters during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 16: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Ferrari returns to F1 for the first time since his accident in Hungary and greets F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock before practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos Circuit on October 16, 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Toyota F1 team pricipal Tadashi Yamashina reacts while answering a question on the future of their young F1 drivers, Kamuri Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima (unseen) during the press conference announcing the company's withdrawal from the Formula One race at its Tokyo headquarters, on November 4, 2009. Toyota became the latest automaker to quit the glamour sport in response to the economic crisis, just days after tyre manufacturer Bridgestone pulled out.

Toyota F1 team pricipal Tadashi Yamashina reacts while answering a question on the future of their young F1 drivers, Kamuri Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima (unseen) during the press conference announcing the company's withdrawal from the Formula One race at its Tokyo headquarters, on November 4, 2009. Toyota became the latest automaker to quit the glamour sport in response to the economic crisis, just days after tyre manufacturer Bridgestone pulled out.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (R), plays football with youngsters during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (C), plays football with youngsters during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (R), cheers with a boy during a visit to Oscar Romero school, a Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (L), speaks to journalists during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (C), watches a presentation during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, in the southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at the Interlagos racetrack.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 16: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Ferrari returns to F1 for the first time since his accident in Hungary and greets F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock before practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos Circuit on October 16, 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 13: F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone (L) talks with Bernard Rey (R) the Chairman of Renualt F1 before the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza on September 13, 2009 in Monza, Italy.

Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 team lawyer Andrew Ford arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (R), plays football with youngsters during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 Spanish driver Fernando Alonso (C), stands amid children as they wish him good luck and protection in the Brazilian GP, during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked to Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, in the southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP next October 18 at the Interlagos racetrack.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 16: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Ferrari returns to F1 for the first time since his accident in Hungary and greets F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock before practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos Circuit on October 16, 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 team lawyer Andrew Ford arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (R), plays football with youngsters during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 Spanish driver Fernando Alonso (C), poses for a picture with Brazilian school children during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, in the southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at the Interlagos racetrack.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 16: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Ferrari returns to F1 for the first time since his accident in Hungary and greets F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock before practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos Circuit on October 16, 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 16: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Ferrari returns to F1 for the first time since his accident in Hungary and greets F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock before practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos Circuit on October 16, 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Toyota F1 team pricipal Tadashi Yamashina reacts while answering a question on the future of their young F1 drivers, Kamuri Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima (unseen) during the press conference announcing the company's withdrawal from the Formula One race at its Tokyo headquarters, on November 4, 2009. Toyota became the latest automaker to quit the glamour sport in response to the economic crisis, just days after tyre manufacturer Bridgestone pulled out.

Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (C), poses for a picture during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 Spanish driver Fernando Alonso (C), waves amid children during a visit to Oscar Romero school, a Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 16: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Ferrari returns to F1 for the first time since his accident in Hungary and greets F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock before practice for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos Circuit on October 16, 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Toyota F1 team pricipal Tadashi Yamashina reacts while answering a question on the future of their young F1 drivers, Kamuri Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima (unseen) during the press conference announcing the company's withdrawal from the Formula One race at its Tokyo headquarters, on November 4, 2009. Toyota became the latest automaker to quit the glamour sport in response to the economic crisis, just days after tyre manufacturer Bridgestone pulled out.

Toyota F1 team pricipal Tadashi Yamashina reacts while answering a question on the future of their young F1 drivers, Kamuri Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima (unseen) during the press conference announcing the company's withdrawal from the Formula One race at its Tokyo headquarters, on November 4, 2009. Toyota became the latest automaker to quit the glamour sport in response to the economic crisis, just days after tyre manufacturer Bridgestone pulled out.

Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Renault F1 driver Spanish Fernando Alonso (2nd R), speaks with youngsters during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at Interlagos racetrack.

Renault F1 Spanish driver Fernando Alonso (C), poses for a picture with Brazilian school children during a visit to Oscar Romero school, an Non-Governmental Organization linked with Unicef, at Jardim Santa Lucia do Guacuri community, in the southern outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 14, 2009. Alonso is in the country for the upcoming Brazilian F1 GP, next October 18 at the Interlagos racetrack.

French F1 team Renault barrister Ali Malek QC answers journalists as he arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Newly crowned F1 world champion Jensen Button (top L) responds to questions as Sebastian Vettel (top R) looks on, in Beijing on November 3, 2009. Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest Stadium has been turned into a motor racing track with the world's top drivers gearing up to compete 2009 Race of Champions. Seated in front are seven-times F1 world Champion Michael Schumacher (bottom R) and three-time world touring car champion Andy Priaulx.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Lewis Hamilton attends F1 in Schools World Championship on September 17, 2009 in London, England. F1 in schools is a multi-disciplinary challange in which teams of students aged 9-19 project and race miniature gas powered cars.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Lewis Hamilton attends F1 in Schools World Championship on September 17, 2009 in London, England. F1 in schools is a multi disciplinary challange in which teams of students aged 9-19 project and race miniature gas powered cars.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Lewis Hamilton attends F1 in Schools World Championship on September 17, 2009 in London, England. F1 in schools is a multi disciplinary challange in which teams of students aged 9-19 project and race miniature gas powered cars.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Lewis Hamilton with a young student while he race a miniature car at F1 in Schools World Championship on September 17, 2009 in London, England. F1 in schools is a multi disciplinary challange in which teams of students aged 9-19 project and race miniature gas powered cars.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Lewis Hamilton races a miniature car at F1 in Schools World Championship on September 17, 2009 in London, England. F1 in schools is a multi disciplinary challange in which teams of students aged 9-19 project, build and race miniature gas powered cars.

Newly crowned F1 world champion Jensen Button (L) and seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher wave while standing with their partners Andy Priaulx (2nd L) and Sebastian Vettel (2nd R) during the opening ceremony of the Race of Champions in Beijing on November 3, 2009. Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest Stadium has been turned into a motor racing track with the world's top drivers gearing up to compete 2009 Race of Champions.

French Renault F1 team safety officer Jean-Pierre Raymond arrives at FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009 for an hearing at the World Motor Sports Council after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'crashgate' affair, involving French Renault F1 team. This event has left the company facing sanctions for cheating after Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr was allegedly asked to crash his car deliberately into a wall during the race and so facilitate a victory for team-mate Fernando Alonso. Former team chief Flavio Briatore sensationally quit Renault on September 18, 2009 with chief engineering director Pat Symonds as Renault admitted their guilt in the September 2008 car crash.

Former Renault F1 driver, Brazilian Nelson Piquet (foreground) junior leaves FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009, after a hearing at the World Motor Sports Council as part of the 'crashgate' affair. The Renault Formula One team were handed a two year suspended ban by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for ordering Nelson Piquet junior to crash in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Renault were in the dock for conspiring with Piquet junior to cause a deliberate crash to help the Brazilian's teammate, Fernando Alonso, win the race.

Former Renault F1 driver, Brazilian Nelson Piquet junior leaves FIA headquarters in Paris on September 21, 2009, after a hearing at the World Motor Sports Council as part of the 'crashgate' affair. The Renault Formula One team were handed a two year suspended ban by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for ordering Nelson Piquet junior to crash in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Renault were in the dock for conspiring with Piquet junior to cause a deliberate crash to help the Brazilian's teammate, Fernando Alonso, win the race.