Alonso: anti-racism campaign not needed

Formula One's ruling body, the FIA, plans to launch an anti-racism campaign at this year's Spanish Grand Prix following the racist abuse of Lewis Hamilton during testing at the Circuit de Catalunya this month.

Renault driver Alonso played down the incident as an isolated episode and sided with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, saying the campaign is unnecessary.

"I don't think this is a racist country and the fans aren't either," Alonso was quoted as saying by AS newspaper. "Whoever says that there's racism in Spain is talking about isolated cases.

"The less we talk about what happened 15 days ago the better, because that's a completely isolated case from someone who was celebrating carnival. I haven't seen any video or recording of the alleged insults."

When asked if an anti-racism campaign was necessary, Alonso said: "No. It was an isolated incident and the FIA or anyone saying that the Spanish fans are racists is laughable."

Alonso, who was Hamilton's teammate at McLaren last year, said he had not talked to the Briton.

"No, I haven't met with him (Hamilton). Last year they called me a dog in a few races. Niki Lauda said those things about me and no one came to me to show me their support."