Flavio Briatore has left his post as boss of Renault after the Formula 1 team decided not to contest charges of fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Executive director of engineering Pat Symonds has also left the team.

Renault were summoned by governing body the FIA after Nelson Piquet Jr claimed that he had been asked to crash to help team-mate Fernando Alonso's race.

It is not known whether Renault must still face the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Monday to answer the charges.

Despite Briatore's denial of the charges levelled against him - the Italian has started legal proceedings in France against Piquet Jnr and his father for attempted blackmail and false allegations - Renault has remained silent.

The French car-maker has not said a word in public since the FIA confirmed more than two weeks ago that it was investigating the events that led to Fernando Alonso's victory last September.

Though Briatore likely won’t be called before the WMSC on Monday - since he is no longer be part of the team - he could still face criminal charges for endangering lives if the allegations are proved correct.

After refusing to answer numerous questions during his initial questioning by FIA investigators in Spa, Symonds had been offered immunity by the FIA in return for full disclosure about the alleged scheme to have Piquet Jnr crash on purpose.