In his first significant interview since the WMSC ruled on 'Crashgate', Nelson Piquet claims that he is the true victim of the sorry saga and has been punished harder than anyone else involved.

Speaking to Brazilian broadcaster Globo, the 24-year-old admitted that in the wake of the scandal he faces rebuilding his career from scratch.

"Some people have suggested I should have been punished by the FIA," he said, "but, in reality, no one has been punished more than I have. I am at the beginning of my career, unlike the others who have been punished in this case. I am going to have to overcome many obstacles on and off the track to prove my worth.

"I more or less have to start my career from scratch in formula one or justify myself in whatever category I might race in. Despite all the trauma, I have learnt much with what's happened and I have come out of it stronger and wiser."

The Brazilian was also keen to dismiss talk that he exposed what happened in Singapore last year only in an attempt to damage Flavio Briatore.

"I made the allegation so that no other driver would go through what I went through and, more importantly, so that the whole episode would be clarified in the way it has been," he said. "I committed a mistake in accepting what they asked me to do in that situation. But I would have made another mistake if I hadn't brought it to the public."

While Piquet tells himself that "some" people believe he should have been punished by the FIA, a brief visit to any of the significant message boards and forums soon reveal that most fans, like many of those within the sport, feel the youngster has not only committed one of the worst crimes in sporting history but that he has essentially escaped punishment having been granted immunity by the FIA.

Speaking at Suzuka over the weekend, a number of team bosses admitted that should the Brazilian beat a path to their door they would not consider employing him, and not only because of his role in 'Crashgate'.

"I think on his performance, to be honest, disregarding the issue, I probably would not give him a drive," said Toyota's John Howett, "and I would probably be further influenced in that decision by what took place.

"I'm not sure I'll be giving him a seat," added Briatore's replacement at Renault, Bob Bell, "and that's really all I can say.

"I don't think we would have any interest at Red Bull Racing," admitted Christian Horner.