It is being speculated that the Renault F1 team could be thrown out of the Formula One world championship following the FIA reaction to claims, which surfaced in Brazil, that the team 'fixed' the Singapore GP last September

It is claimed that Briatore ordered their former driver Nelson Piquet Jnr to crash his car allowing his team-mate Fernando Alonso to claim his first win of the 2008 season.

Today's Daily Mail runs with

'Sportsmail understands from sources close to the FIA that:

* The investigation was launched after Piquet and his father Nelson Piquet Snr, the triple world champion, alleged the Singapore race had been fixed. They decided to blow the whistle several weeks ago, following Piquet Jnr's sacking by Renault.

* The trail could lead all the way up to Briatore, though it is unlikely he could have affected the crash and consequent advantage it brought Alonso without the involvement of one or several senior engineers;

* The FIA will consider whether Alonso was aware of the suspected scam. If so, the double world champion is likely to face a ban.

Renault, who might even by prompted by the furore to quit grand prix racing altogether, last night declined to deny the allegations - more than 24 hours after news of the investigation leaked out.