Zoom Tougher times for the Formula One teams

Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet are not the only Renault team employees to have taken a pay-cut for 2009, according to boss Flavio Briatore.

"Fernando has had a salary cut, like everyone at the factory," the Italian told the Daily Express.

While Piquet is one of F1's lowest paid drivers, Alonso's more than 30 percent cut reportedly shed nearly 5m (Euros) from his contracted 2009 retainer.

Renault has already shed 50 jobs at its Enstone base, Briatore told the newspaper.

"It is sad but we were in a bubble in F1 and now to preserve the business and the majority of the jobs we need to take action," he said.

Source: GMM
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