Spanish federation condemns racist fans

With the future of the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona and the European Grand Prix at Valencia now hanging in the balance while the FIA awaits a report on what happened, the Real Federacion Espanola de Automovilismo (RFEA) has made it clear that it is unhappy about the incidents.

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, it said: "Following the unpleasant event that took place during the latest Formula One testing session in Catalunya, the RFEA wants to clarify the following points:

"The Federation wants to show its absolute repulsion at these incomprehensible events, as well as showing its support to the McLaren team and especially to their driver Lewis Hamilton.

"Car racing is a sport where events that divert from cordiality between fans and drivers and teams will not be allowed.

"These kind of madmen who confuse sporting rivalry with violence must know that the Federation will have no tolerance with them.

"The RFEA wants to make clear that the protagonists of this event were a very small group that doesn't represent the thousands of people who enjoy this sport in a fun and cordial way.

"The RFEA also wants to highlight the speed at which the Circuit officials removed the offensive banners and the trouble markers from the stands.

"The governing body has asked the circuits to increase their preventive measures to avoid this kind of incidents in the future."