F1 chief Ecclestone dismisses Hamilton racism as 'one off'
Spain hosts two F1 grand prixs
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Sunday, 17, Feb 2008 08:52
Formula One chief Bernie Eccelstone has shockingly played down the racism suffered by Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona.
The Briton was abused by fans with some painting their faces black at a testing session at the Circuit de Catalunya a fortnight ago.
The world governing body, the FIA, will launch their 'Racing Against Racism' campaign at the Spanish grand prix on the weekend starting April 25th.
But Ecclestone claimed the incident was a "one-off" and dismissed the FIA's anti-racism initiative.
"I don't think it's necessary. All it does, like all these things, is give attention to the people who want attention," Ecclestone told the BBC.
"I think in Barcelona it was the group of people who caused the same trouble at the football.
"I don't think they're fans; I don't think they're anything, and I don't think they were supporting (Fernando) Alonso in particular.
"I think they just like to abuse people. It was a one-off, nothing to worry about."
The 77-year-old added that he and the FIA would consider axing the Spanish grand prix if the racism was repeated.
"We'd have to have a look it if anything like that happened, but this is just an isolated incident," Ecclestone said.
The Formula One season starts with the Melbourne grand prix on March 16th.