06/02/2008
NEWS STORY
Although the outrageous racist events of last weekend have disappeared from our front pages and TV screens, the FIA has warned the authorities in Spain that it is on the case and that any repeats will result in draconian measures.
"We have not yet received a full report," an FIA spokesman told The Guardian, "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.
"We understand that such abuse is a criminal offence under Spanish law (as it is in most of Europe) 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 tests to ensure that everything is done to prevent any repeat of those appalling scenes in Barcelona.
"Racism has no place in motor sport," the spokesman added, "and racists will not be allowed to hijack our sport from the many millions of genuine motor racing fans from across the world."
Meanwhile, Ramon Padreras, managing director of the Barcelona circuit, claims Sunday's incident - exclusively revealed by Pitpass - has been blown out of proportion. He also insists official at the track did everything they could to resolve the situation.
"Last Friday, 10 people with a megaphone behaved in a unacceptable way against the British driver," said Padreras, according to The Guardian. "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," he added. "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."
However, the incident that caused such outrage occurred on Sunday, and involved 7 people. No matter how much Mr Padreras might disagree, the action of those 7 'fans' caused widespread revulsion.
Regular readers will be aware that Pitpass, not wishing to cause offence, didn't even post the pictures on its front page, but merely included them in an article published that morning. It was only later on Sunday evening when British tabloid, The Sun, picked up on the story and the pictures.