Race-fix punishment to be handed out today

Motorsport's governing body will decide Renault's fate in the race-fixing controversy today.

Renault officials must answer charges from the FIA that it deliberately caused an accident in last year's Singapore Grand Prix to bring out a safety car that would help Fernando Alonso win the race.

Renault has already said that it will not contest the charges, and faces a punishment that could extend to total exclusion from the championship. The men involved in the alleged plot - team principal Flavio Briatore and director of engineering Pat Symonds - left the team last week.

In a fresh twist, Fernando Alonso has also been summoned to appear at the hearing. Although there is no suggestion the Spaniard knew about hsi team's plans, he is expected to be questioned during the hearing.

Autosport.com is also reporting that it is highly likely that talks have taken place between Renault representatives and the FIA in recent days ahead of the hearing, in order to work out which course of action would be best to minimise the chances of a severe penalty.

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