Renault hit back at accusing Alonso
Fernando Alonso during happier times
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Wednesday, 04, Oct 2006 12:55
Renault have firmly denied claims made by driver Fernando Alonso that they are actively seeking to sabotage his attempts at winning a second world championship.
Their response came after Alonso launched an astonishing attack on his own team after two bungled pit-stops cost him victory in the Chinese grand prix and the overall championship lead to rival Michael Schumacher.
Alonso claimed his Renault team were purposefully hindering his chances because of his decision to join the McLaren team next season.
Flavio Briatore's team, currently leading the constructors' championship by a single point from Ferrari, released a statement saying "the team is 150 per cent behind Fernando in his battle for the championship".
"There is no question of our commitment flagging," it read. "The points situation is so tight that to win the constructors' championship you've got to be sure of winning the drivers' championship and vice versa.
"We have worked flat out since Monza on engine development to ensure that we keep our competitive edge through to the last race of the season in Brazil."
The statement also rejected rumours of a dispute involving Alonso's fellow Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella.
"In addition, Giancarlo drove purely for the team at Shanghai on Sunday, finishing third behind Fernando. There is no problem at all with the relations between him and the team," it read.
Alonso's second place in Shanghai saw Schumacher draw level on points but go ahead on grands prix wins this season with just two races remaining.