FIA launches anti-racism drive

Motor Sport : Formula One's governing body launched an anti-racism campaign today at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit where McLaren…

Motor Sport: Formula One's governing body launched an anti-racism campaign today at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit where McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was abused in February.

Hamilton, the sport's first black driver and former team mate of Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso, was abused by spectators at the Circuit de Catalunya during a pre-season test.

The FIA warned the Spanish authorities and circuits after that incident that the country's two grands prix - the other is in Valencia in August - could be at risk if there was any repeat.

There has been none and the governing body said they had received a comprehensive report from the Spanish motor racing authorities and circuit owners.

READ MORE

Hamilton spoke warmly of the Spanish fans in a McLaren preview of Sunday's race, the fourth round of the season, making clear he harboured no ill-feelings.

"The Circuit de Catalunya is a great track; we can't ever lose it from the calendar," he said. "It always sees competitive racing and there are so many enthusiastic fans there all the time which makes for a great atmosphere."

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone added: "The sport is all about a driver's ability and this will never have anything to do with their race or the colour of their skin."