Renault Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso (left) and Nelson Piquet Jr. (right) flank team boss Flavio Briatore after unveiling their new car in this file photo. (REUTERS)

HAMBURG (DPA) — Team boss Flavio Briatore and chief engineer Pat Symonds have left the Renault Formula One team which said on Wednesday it will not dispute race fixing claims.

The ruling body FIA is investigating whether team officials told former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr to crash his car at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the race.

''The ING Renault F1 Team will not dispute the recent allegations made by the FIA concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix,'' Renault said in a short statement.

''It also wishes to state that its managing director, Flavio Briatore and its executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, have left the team.''

Renault said it won't comment further on the affair until Monday's hearing before the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has meanwhile expressed his sadness at Briatore's departure.

Asked for his reaction to his friend Briatore's exit, Ecclestone replied: ''Well, I feel sorry for him actually. Obviously, I'm surprised at what has happened, and I'm taken by surprise that they've decided to walk away.''

On Monday's hearing, Ecclestone said: ''I've no idea what will happen. We'll have to wait and see.''

Possible sanctions include expulsion from the championship. This could mean the end of Renault's engagement in the sport even though the French carmaker is said to have committed itself until 2012.

A former director of the Benetton fashion brand in the United States, Briatore joined the Benetton F1 team in 1989 and became team chief in 1991. The team was later sold to Renault with Briatore as principle.

Under his reign, Michael Schumacher won his first two of seven world titles in a Benetton 1994 and 1995. Alonso then got two titles in a Renault 2005 and 2006.

Briatore, 59, is also known for his playboy image, with former girlfriends including supermodels Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell. He is also co-owner of English football club Queens Park Rangers.

Briatore denied any wrongdoing in the fixing affair and Renault last week announced a lawsuit against Piquet Jr and his father over the allegations Piquet Jr made to the FIA after being sacked at Renault in late July.