Renault Barred from Competing in Next Grand Prix

FIA stewards have barred Renault from competing at next month' European Grand Prix. This is a result of an incident in the recent Hungarian GP where Fernando Alonso lost his right front wheel after a pit stop.

Stewards deemed that the team broke rules and should of prevented Alonso from taking to the track.

Alonso had been leading to the race prior to the stop, but left the pits with the wheel still loose. It eventually detached itself further around the track.

An FIA statement said: "Having carefully reviewed the available film recordings and audio recordings and having met the team manager twice to discuss the matter, the stewards believe:

"1) that the competitor knowingly released car no. 7 from the pit stop position without one of the retaining devices for the wheel-nuts being securely in position, this being an indication that the wheel itself may not have been properly secured.

"2) being aware of this, failed to take any action to prevent the car from leaving the pit lane.

"3) failed to inform the driver of this problem or to advise him to take appropriate action given the circumstances, even though the driver contacted the team by radio believing he had a puncture.

"4) this resulted in a heavy car part detaching at turn five and the wheel itself detaching at turn nine."

Renault are currently seven in the 2009 F1 constructors championship.

Source: www.nzracer.com