Formula One governing body to launch anti-racism initiative
The FIA luanched the campiagn after Hamilton was abused last week
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Wednesday, 13, Feb 2008 09:03
Formula One's governing body the FIA is set to launch an anti-racism initiative at this year's Spanish grand prix.
The move comes after McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton was abused by a group of spectators during a recent test session in Spain.
Although the FIA announced the proposals today the campaign will not begin until April when it will be officially unveiled during the week of the Spanish grand prix in Barcelona.
The FIA said it was surprised and disappointed by the incident last week and wanted to "unite all those involved in motorsport, both on and off the track, in the fight against racism".
Organisers of the Spanish grand prix had earlier been warned that a repeat of the abuse Hamilton received could result in them being removed from the Formula One calendar.
"Abuse of this kind is a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the FIA statutes," the governing body insisted.
The FIA has asked for support from all levels of the sport including its own stakeholders, teams, drivers, circuits and national sporting authorities.
It also plans to launch a dedicated website for the initiative to raise awareness and allow fans to support the project as well.
Hamilton's McLaren team applauded the FIA's decision to launch the campaign.
A team spokesman told Autosport magazine: "We fervently hope that the racist behaviour of a tiny minority of so-called F1 fans at a recent Barcelona test was an isolated incident that will not be repeated elsewhere."