per Autosport: The FIA has welcomed moves by the Spanish motor racing authorities to ensure there is no repeat of the racist abuse aimed at Lewis Hamilton, but warned that it will keep a close eye on forthcoming tests to check the preventive measures work. Although the definitive report from the RFEA on the affair has not yet been submitted, the FIA has expressed its hope that enough will have been done to resolve the problem for the next F1 test at Jerez in Spain next week. "We have not yet received a full report 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," an FIA spokesman was quoted as saying in The Guardian. "We understand that such abuse is a criminal offence under Spanish law 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 Formula One tests to ensure that everything is done to prevent any repeat of those appalling scenes in Barcelona. "Racism has no place in motor sport and racists will not be allowed to hijack our sport from the many millions of genuine motor racing fans from across the world." The FIA reacted to the scenes of racism from the Barcelona test with a clear warning that sanctions would be taken if there was a repeat. It was understood that this extended as far as threatening to drop Spain's two Grands Prix from the calendar. * * * * Guess we'll see what occurs next week in Jerez and should anything occur it will be most interesting to see if the FIA is all talk and no action. Carol
Its a shame that people can't just like someone for their talent, Hamilton was a joy to watch last season.
A true statement. But a lot of his welcome to the sport was obviously wasted by the arrogance of his team leader. Maybe he will be able to rise above it all this next year. As far as this "no tolerance" stuff, I don't quite get it...how in the world is the FIA of all people going to legislate proper behavior and decorum on the part of these drunken hooligan "fans"? If they can figure it out, then they should send a memo to the soccer people.
Throw them out of the grandstand or chuck them in jail. Racial chanting has been stamped out over here and quite right too. But racism affects ALL of us. Black, white, blue, green and red. Tony
If it were really "Zero Tolerance" that one incident would have caused the two Spanish races to be canceled...zero = none...not one free one and a warning...
It has nothing to do with liking Hamilton as already stated by the other posters. +1 To Franklin as well, this isn't the definition of no tolerance.
I think some common sense has to apply as in if ONE guy makes an ass of himself with a racial slam then Spain loses 2 Grand Prix ? That gives one lunatic lots and lots of power. BTW; I didn't know that racism was a crime in most democratic societies. Its stupid and senseless but a crime ? Are Kimi's traveling Gorilla fans going to spend the night in jail ? I think its the end of that era.
