FIA welcome tough measures

Motor Sport/Formula One:Lewis Hamilton will return to Spain for further tests with the McLaren team later this month with the FIA welcoming the tough measures being promised by the circuits in Jerez and Barcelona.

Hamilton was subjected to racists taunts during testing in Barcelona and is back in the country on Tuesday for three days of further testing at Jerez before taking part in three more days in Barcelona from February 25th.

The sport's governing body, while impressed with the statements of intent from the Spanish authorities, last night said the behaviour of the supporters would be closely monitored, in effect warning them that they are on probation.

"We have not yet received a full report, but we have received clear assurances from the circuit and sporting authorities in Spain that measures are now in place to prevent any repetition of the kind of racist abuse witnessed last weekend," an FIA spokesman said. "We understand that such abuse is a criminal offence under Spanish law and the authorities will not hesitate to act if required.

"This zero-tolerance approach is welcomed by the FIA and we will monitor events very closely at the forthcoming formula one tests to ensure that everything is done to prevent any repeat of those appalling scenes in Barcelona. Racism has no place in motor sport and racists will not be allowed to hijack our sport from the many millions of genuine motor-racing fans from across the world."

For their part, McLaren offered no further comment on the issue, but sources close to the British team have indicated it will be "heads down and business as usual" at these two crucial tests, where Hamilton will be joined by his new team-mate Heikki Kovalainen and the team's Spanish test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

It is understood there will be no additional security arrangements for Hamilton at these tests unless the circuit authorities involved feel it to be appropriate.

Ramon Padreras, managing director of the Circuit de Catalunya, said the racism row had been blown out of proportion and his circuit had done everything it could to resolve the situation when it first happened.

"Last Friday, 10 people with a megaphone behaved in an unacceptable way against the British driver," said Padreras.

Right away, we kicked two of them out, we cleared the stands right in front of McLaren's garage and we decided to take measures for Saturday, closing up the terrace right above them. The problem was solved then.

"In no way can the behaviour of 10 fans represent the 55,000 who enjoyed the three days and knew how to behave.

"I think that in some cases the behaviour of some 10 or 15 people has been taken out of context - and we are in complete disagreement with that information." - Guardian Service