2008 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix was a milestone, not only because it is the first race at Marina Bay Street Circuit, but also because it is the first night race in Formula One history.
watched by millions of viewers around the world, Spaniard Fernando Alonso, Renault race color, became the first winner of Singapore GP. Renault had virtually no hope of winning this race, with their drivers Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr. starting in the 15th and 16 place respectively. However, in a bold move, Alonso started with unusually low fuel load and tried to overtake the car in front of as many as possible before the earlier than expected pit stop. His gamble that someone would eventually fall into this strange new round of aid as Piquet Jr. crashed in lap 14, allowing the safety car. With Alonso already fuel and other vehicles are forced to refuel after the pit lane opened, he went on to take the lead and made one of the most memorable victories in Formula One history.
But the 2008 Bay Marina races will now be remembered for other reasons. Nelson Piquet Jr., who was released from Renault in August 2009 for poor form, sensationally claimed that he was asked about the crash to Alonso to gain an unfair advantage. Renault initially reacted angrily to the accusations, but later decided not to contest the charges, many taken as a sign of guilt and attempt to mitigate any future punishment. Their flamboyant managing director, Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds engineer, has resigned, ending his long Formula One career on a low note.
What happens with Renault now? Many speculate that it will be thrown out of Formula One altogether, although it would mean job losses for thousands of innocent Renault employees. What is the future of their other driver Fernando Alonso? Alonso has denied all knowledge of this land and it remains to be seen if it will eventually move to Ferrari as speculated. Will Formula One can recover from this latest failure? We all wait with bated breath.
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