Sep.23 (GMM) While the British media slammed the leniency of Renault's crash-gate penalty, in Italy the press corps hit out at an alleged conspiracy and act of vengeance against Flavio Briatore.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also lashed out at Renault's lack of loyalty to the 59-year-old Briton, who has been banned for life from either entering a paddock or managing a driver."Renault did not hesitate to throw away the man who gave the team four world championship titles, only in the hope of getting off with a mild sanction," said the Italian sports daily.Corriere dello Sport added: "The (FIA) judgement stinks; that was revenge. In order to save Renault, he took the responsibility for this whole affair. Nelson Piquet escapes with his dirty work accomplished and his revenge achieved."The major Italian broadsheet La Repubblica charged: "Briatore pays for everything, Renault saves itself."Said Tuttosport, another Italian sports newspaper: "In the Piquet case, only Briatore pays. He is the victim of a conspiracy."The latest black chapter in F1's history has the flavour of revenge against Briatore," added the publication, referring to the former Renault boss' leading stance against Max Mosley amid the recent breakaway threats.The Milan-based daily Corriere della Sera said: "Mosley got his revenge at the Place de la Concorde, where during the French revolution the guillotine stood."
