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Renault launch Piquet lawsuit

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 12/09/2009
Formula One betting

Formula One could be set for another legal battle after Renault revealed it has commenced criminal proceedings against former driver Nelson Piquet Jr.

Renault claim they were 'blackmailed' by the Brazilian driver and his father - the former Formula One world champion - in an attempt to keep his place behind the wheel for the remainder of the season.

Piquet was axed in August and has since given evidence to the FIA over claims that he deliberately crashed his car during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to help team-mate Fernando Alonso win the race.

The FIA have called an extraordinary meeting of its World Motor Sport Council for later in the month at which Renault must respond to accusations that they plotted with Piquet Jr to cause the crash and facilitate the deployment of the safety car.

However, the saga has taken a fresh twist with news of a potential legal battle between Renault and their former driver.

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In football, Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez could miss next weekend's derby with former club Manchester United due to injury.

Tevez picked up a knee problem while away on international duty with Argentina this week and will play no part in Saturday's meeting with Arsenal at Eastlands.

The striker is also facing a race against time to be fit for the Old Trafford encounter with sportsbook favourites United on September 20, according to City boss Mark Hughes.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti expects the club to mount a successful appeal following their FIFA-imposed transfer ban.

The Stamford Bridge club have already begun their appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport after they were banned from signing any new players until January 2011.

FIFA imposed the ban after finding the Blues guilty of inducing teenager Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with French club Lens when joining them two years ago.

In cricket, Graeme Swann, Matt Prior and Graham Onions have been awarded full ECB contracts for the first time for 2009-10 but Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar miss out.

A further seven players have been awarded England increment contracts, including Andrew Flintoff.

Meanwhile, England have decided to rest Paul Collingwood and James Anderson after losing the first three one-day internationals against Australia.

Collingwood will miss the next three matches while Anderson will not feature in Saturday's game at Lord's and the fifth match in the seven-game series at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

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