Patgate
James Allen on F1 > An very difficult moment for Renault’s Pat Symonds
anotherf1podcast favourite Pat Symonds has been left stuck between a rock (Flavio Briatore) and a Hard Face (Piquet Jr and Snr).
It appears that a meeting did happen, and Pat did say something in it. He is being pretty vague on what.
Taken from James Allen’s blog (which in itself credits The Times) here is the transcript of Pat and an FIA advisor (Jess) at Spa.
We at anotherf1podcast have translated Pat’s responses, in italics…
FIA adviser: In your own words Mr. Symonds what do you recall being said to Nelson Piquet Jnr at that meeting? This is shortly before the race.
Symonds: I don’t really remember it. (Have been drinking since 6am this morning)
FIA adviser: You don’t remember?
Symonds: No. (Hiccup)
FIA adviser: Nelson Piquet Jnr says that he was asked by you to cause a deliberate crash. Is that true?
Symonds: Nelson had spoken to me the day before and suggested that. That’s all I’d really like to say. (It’s much more than I’d like to say)
FIA adviser: Mr Symonds were you aware that there was going to be crash at Lap 14?
Symonds: I don’t want to answer that question. (I want a cigarette)
FIA adviser: There is just one thing that I ought to ask you and put it to you so you can think about it at least. Mr. Piquet Jnr says that having had the initial meeting with you and Flavio Briatore you then met him individually with the map of the circuit. Do you remember that?
Symonds: I won’t answer, rather not answer that. I don’t recall it but it sounds like Nelson’s talked a lot more about it. (Sounds like Nelson doesn’t remember the deal)
FIA adviser: Mr. Piquet Jnr also says at that meeting you pointed out a specific place on the circuit where he was to have the accident and said it was because it was the furthest away from any of the safety or lifting equipment and gave the most likely chance of a safety car being deployed.
Symonds: I don’t, I don’t want to answer that question. (Is it me or is it getting hot in here?)
FIA adviser: [Referring to the pre-race meeting] Was it you that did the talking at that meeting Mr. Symonds?
Symonds: I’m sure it would have been both of us but I don’t know for sure. Sorry that’s a contradiction. I would imagine it would be both of us that would be normal. Actually probably more often it’s Flavio that does the talking himself. I wouldn’t necessarily always agree with what he’s saying but the majority. (I’ll do anything to get out of this… an-y-thing…)
FIA adviser: Because just to be absolutely clear here what Nelson Piquet Jnr has said is that at that meeting it was you that asked him to have a crash deliberately?
Symonds: I can’t answer you. (my mouth is full)
FIA adviser: Can I say that if Mr. Symonds you’d been put in the position where you were made to ask Mr. Piquet Jnr to crash it’s much better, it would be much better for you in the long term to tell these stewards to hear that today?
Symonds: I fully understand that. (But am choosing to ignore it)
FIA adviser: Yes.
Symonds: I have no intention of lying to you. I have not lied to you but I have reserved my position just a little. (I am a russian spy)
FIA adviser: And you’re aware that the stewards may draw conclusions from your unwillingness to assist them in relation to what went on in that meeting?
Symonds: I would expect them to. I would absolutely expect that. (but here’s hoping not)
FIA adviser: I think I haven’t got any further questions. (zzzzip)
had moved to Londinum seeking fame and fortune some 15 years ago, sadly his dream had still not been realised instead he spent most of his time driving from dingy pub to dingy pub telling jokes to largely unappreciative crowds. Aside from the love of his family one thing kept Kevin from depression and despair, Formula One. Every spare moment he had he would devote to his beloved sport. Unfortunately Kevin’s wife Tina did not share his enthusiasm for all things F1, as the true matriarch of this family she saw it as a threat to her unconditional leadership, she was very dominant and was never happier than when she was cracking the whip. Although this seed of discord existed from the beginning of their relationship it had previously never managed to germinate. Mainly thanks to the distraction of their beautiful children Ellie, a 8 year old girl who curiously had white curly shoulder length hair and an almost uncontrollable passion for blue tinted sun glasses and Chloe, a very short, grey haired, 5 year old who had a tendency to answer complete gibberish to any direct question.
Sat at home in front of his computer his excitement temporarily turned to fear as he heard the key in the door which heralded the return of his wife and children from school (Tina had taken a job at the school as Kevin’s wages alone were not enough to support Ellie’s growing collection of blue tinted sunglasses), luckily he managed to close his Fantasy Formula One team page and open his expenses spread sheet just before his wife entered the room.
Tina had seen enough however and bought him back down to earth with a bump, “It’s not yours! Do you honestly think that we could afford such a gift? What with Ellie continuing to spend millions of pounds on ridiculous sun glasses, if I had my way she would just close her eyes or squint when it gets a bit bright. It belongs to Chloe the school were given it and they want you to put it together. You are not allowed to play with it but you must construct it with the care and attention of a heart surgeon.” Kevin’s blood boiled, “What? What….are you some kind of sadomasochist, what sort of sick and twisted treat is this?” Tina tried and failed hide her glee “You thought it was yours, gotcha,” Ellie looked over the top of her glasses and whispered “It’s not fair I want one,” she gradually stated to get louder and louder until her face turned red with her exertions “I WANT ONE!”. “You can’t have one it’s Chloe’s” snapped Tina. “I WANT ONE!” she persisted. Tina’s initial glee turned to amazement “that kids a lunatic”.
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