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LONDON - Formula One's governing body has threatened Spanish circuits with severe sanctions if there is any repeat of the racist abuse suffered by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona at the weekend.
"The FIA (International Automobile Federation) is surprised and disappointed at the abuse directed at Lewis Hamilton," a spokesman said.
"Abuse of this kind is a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the FIA statutes and any repetition will result in serious sanctions".
Hamilton, Formula One's first black driver and championship runner-up last year after a sensational rookie season in which he won four races, was taunted by Spanish spectators at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Reports in a number of Spanish papers said the 23-year-old Briton was booed and insulted whenever he made his way from the team motorhome and into the pits on Saturday.
The correspondent from sports daily Marca said that extremely explicit insults directed at Hamilton were clearly heard and that large sections of the crowd were involved.
"It is not right the way he is being treated," McLaren test team manager Indy Lall was quoted as saying.
Spain has two grands prix this year, the Spanish round of the championship at the Circuit de Catalunya in April and the European Grand Prix on a new street track in Valencia at the end of August.
Formula One teams also use Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit and Jerez for pre-season testing. McLaren will be in Jerez from Feb 12-14.
While the FIA did not spell out the sanctions, either circuit could be stripped of its place in the championship if local organisers fail to deal with any further incidents of racist behaviour.
The Circuit de Catalunya website said some 55,000 spectators had attended the test over the weekend, with 25,000 on Sunday alone.
Marca said that the circuit director had asked for fences to be put up around the McLaren paddock and ordered the removal of banners that had been put up opposite the team's garage.
Daily /La Vanguardia also said the circuit director had reminded fans of their obligations at the venue.
"We would like to make a plea to the fans to behave correctly, no type of offensive behaviour can be tolerated," circuit director Ramon Pradera was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
Hamilton has become a hate figure in Spain because of his rivalry with former McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso who now drives for Renault.
Double world champion Alonso complained last season that McLaren were favouring Hamilton and fell out with the Mercedes-powered team when they refused to grant him special status.
McLaren did not mention the incidents in Barcelona in their post-test statement.
"McLaren has raced and tested on Spanish circuits for many years and everyone connected with the team regards Spain and the Spanish people with great affection, Lewis included," said a spokeswoman.
Incidents of racism have plagued Spanish sport, in particular football, in recent years.
- REUTERS
