F1: Racists won’t spoil Spanish GP

Apr 26 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

THE president of Spain’s motor racing federation is adamant “four or five yobs” will not be allowed to wreck this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

The Circuit de Catalunya came under scrutiny for all the wrong reasons earlier this year when Lewis Hamilton suffered racial abuse during winter testing.

But RFEDA boss Carlos Gracia insists there will no repeat of such incidents this weekend.

“That kind of scandal happens in every country,” said Gracia.

“I wouldn’t even call it a scandal, I would call it four or five yobs. What four or five people do shouldn’t break the image of a country, but that won’t happen again anyway.”

Spain has gained a poor reputation regarding racism following a string of incidents at sports events over the last few years.

The unsavoury events at the Circuit de Catalunya in February led to doubts being raised regarding Spain’s viability to host major sporting events. However, security was raised at the second set of winter tests at the track, with the three days passing without incident.

“Spain is not a racist country,” added Gracia.

“The Spanish fans, not just in motor racing, set a fine example, and fans from other countries should learn from them.”