Anti-racism group praises FIA stance

On the back of the abuse hurled at Lewis Hamilton by Spanish fans during testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, the FIA responded by threatening sanctions against Spanish authorities if there were any repeat of the events in the future.

The FIA also demanded a full report from the Spanish motorsport federation, the RFEA, about what it plans to do to sort the situation, with the future of Spain's two Grands Prix hanging in the balance over what action is taken.

Such an uncompromising attitude has received the full backing of anti-racism group, 'Kick it Out, Let's Kick Racism Out of Football', which has played a major role in trying to drive the problem out of footbal.

Piara Power, the campaign group's director, told this week's Autosport: "The statement from the FIA did everything it needed to do. We need governing bodies to take a hard-line stance in cases such as these."

Power added that although the greatest success in ridding football of racism has come from self-policing by fans, he admitted that the FIA's response in this matter was a huge help in driving the message home that racism will not be tolerated in F1.

"We've come from an environment in football where black players were abused for their backgrounds by fans in the grandstands on a mass level," explained Power. "If it happens now, it's seen as a no-go area, and we see fans policing other fans - that's the most effective form of education.

"Unfortunately, in Southern Europe, racism in sport is seen as fair game. And the behaviour in Barcelona at the weekend will almost certainly have been picked up from Spanish football.

"So for the FIA to suggest a threat to Spain's two Grands Prix - and to do it so promptly - is very important. That kind of direct threat will really concentrate fans' attitudes - particularly as the start of the season draws nearer."