08/05/2009
NEWS STORY
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Just over a year on from the shocking scenes, first reported and exclusively pictured by Pitpass, when Lewis Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse by a group of Spanish fans during a test session, the Barcelona track has paid tribute to the 2008 World Champion.
Last year's pictures of a small group of Spanish fans openly mocking the McLaren driver's ethnicity, their faces blacked up and their T-Shirts bearing the words 'Hamilton's family' dominated the headlines around the world, leaving the future of the Spanish GP in doubt and forcing the FIA to set up an anti-racism campaign.
The T-Shirt wearing mob was the culmination of a dreadful week in Barcelona, during which Hamilton and his team were subjected to abuse and even had objects thrown at them, as Spanish fans sought 'pay back' for the way they perceived Fernando Alonso had been treated during 2007 when he partnered the Englishman at Woking.
All that was forgotten yesterday, however, indeed, it wasn't even referred to, when Hamilton unveiled a plaque commemorating his 2008 title.
"Thanks for your passion and support," said a handwritten message above Hamilton's signature on the plaque, which will be installed on the circuit's 'Champions' Avenue' alongside similar plaques for Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Alonso..
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to show you that you are a driver who is always welcome to Catalunya," said circuit director Ramon Praderas at the unveiling ceremony. "Passion means Formula One and you are a part of this passion for motor sport. Keep like this for us. We need people like you."