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and the empire (FIA) strikes back ...
(ESP)-BARCELONA CHIEF MAKES HAMILTON VOW
2008-02-04 23:32 (New York)
BARCELONA CHIEF MAKES HAMILTON VOW
By Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport
The director of the Barcelona circuit where Lewis Hamilton was racially abused
has promised to take steps to prevent similar scenes marring April's Spanish
Grand Prix.
Hamilton was jeered and insulted by spectators when he moved between the
McLaren trailer and the team's garage during testing at the Circuit de
Catalunya, in Montmelo, near Barcelona, on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was left ``somewhat sad'' by events, with one group wearing
wigs, dark make-up and t-shirts with the slogan 'Hamilton's Family' -
apparently
because of his public falling out with then McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso
last season.
Circuit de Catalunya director Ramon Pradera claimed coverage of the incident
had been ``taken out of context'' but ensured steps would be taken to ensure no
repeat of the scenes on April 27.
He told PA Sport: ``I was present at all times and we cannot generalise the
actions of four of five individuals in comparison with the 50,000 spectators
that were here at the weekend.
``At the time that these situations took place, we reacted immediately by
cordoning the area, throwing out those individuals and taking away the banners.
``On Sunday, we didn't see these episodes occur.''
Motorsport's governing body, the FIA, warned Spain could even be stripped of
its races as a result of such incidents. The country is due to host two grands
prix this year, at Barcelona and Valencia.
A spokesman said: ``FIA are surprised and disappointed at the abuse directed at
Lewis Hamilton.
``An act of this kind is a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the FIA
statutes, and any repetition will result in sanctions.''
Pradera added: ``We have already spoken to the FIA assuring them that we will
eliminate all racist elements. I spoke to McLaren yesterday and they were
satisfied with the measures we took.
``With regards to the official race, we are taking measures with the police
because we are aware that we are representing a country. Although we cannot
assure that every fan will behave in the appropriate manner, we will do our
best
to act.
``I would like to send a message saying that England and Spain share a passion
for Formula One, that these great two drivers (Lewis Hamilton and Fernando
Alonso) should be allowed to work in peace.
``It's a very stressful sport and the competitiveness should only be seen on
the track.''
Spain's motorsport supremo, Carlos Gracia, promised to weed out any racism in
the country's Formula One fan base.
He told PA Sport: ``As president of the Spanish Motorsport Federation (RFEDA),
I want to state my anger and absolute opposition to these episodes.
``We want to show our support and solidarity to McLaren and especially to Lewis
Hamilton.
``The Spanish Federation will not allow these acts to happen again, although we
wish to state that it came from a minority and that the circuit director at
Montmelo took action immediately.'
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