Renault began criminal proceedings against their former driver, Nelson Piquet, on Friday, relating to allegations that Piquet deliberately crashed in last year's Singapore Grand Prix.

One week ago, Formula One racing's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), summoned Renault to answer charges of intentionally causing a crash in the Singapore GP to help driver Fernando Alonso win the race. The French team will appear before a special meeting of the FIA's World Motorsports Council in Paris on September 21.

Renault could face a complete expulsion from F1 if found guilty on the charges.

Renault claimed that Piquet Jr. and his father, Nelson Piquet Sr., a three- time F1 world champion who has guided his son's racing career, made false allegations regarding the crash. Renault also accused the two Brazilians of attempting to blackmail the team into allowing Piquet to retain his ride for the remainder of the 2009 season.

Piquet, an F1 rookie last year, was released from Renault last month, with the team's reserve driver, Romain Grosjean, taking over his seat.

According to a team statement, "The ING Renault F1 Team and its managing director Flavio Briatore personally wish to state that they have commenced criminal proceedings against Nelson Piquet Junior and Nelson Piquet Senior in France concerning the making of false allegations and a related attempt to blackmail the team into allowing Mr Piquet Jr. to drive for the remainder of the 2009 season.

"The matter will also be referred to the police in the UK."

Piquet retired from the Singapore GP after hitting the wall on lap 14 of the 61-lap event. Alonso, who started on a light fuel load, made his first pit stop prior to Piquet's accident. The subsequent safety car period helped Alonso move to the front of the field after starting 15th on the grid.

Responding to Renault's claims, Piquet said, "Regarding the current FIA investigation, I confirm that I have cooperated fully and honestly with the sport's governing body. Because I am telling the truth, I have nothing to fear, whether from the ING Renault Team or Mr Briatore, and while I am well aware of the power and influence of those being investigated, and the vast resources at their disposal, I will not be bullied again into making a decision I regret."

FIA president Max Mosley confirmed at Monza that Piquet will face no action personally from FIA's governing body, assuming he cooperates fully and truthfully with any inquiries. Mosley also said there was no suggestion that Alonso had any involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

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