FIA get tough on racism

World motor sport’s governing body, the FIA, today launched their anti-racism drive in the wake of abuse directed at Lewis Hamilton earlier this year.

Hamilton was taunted by a small minority of so-called fans during a test session at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in February.

That prompted the FIA to launch an immediate investigation, in conjunction with the Spanish motor sport authority, RFEA.

The FIA have since satisfied themselves there will be no repeat of any racist behaviour at the circuit, which this weekend hosts the Spanish Grand Prix.

However, the FIA have opted to be pro-active in combating racism and have launched the EveryRace campaign.

An FIA statement read: “The FIA and the RFEA are committed to the principle of sport open to all.

“In order to further promote this fundamental principle, the FIA has launched the EveryRace campaign.

“With the support of the Formula One community, the launch of the campaign sends a message that discrimination and prejudice can have no place in sport or in society.

“The FIA would encourage motor sport fans throughout the world to visit www.everyrace.net and take the opportunity to pledge their support for the campaign’s message that motor sport welcomes everyone, irrespective of gender, race or background.”

Commenting on the initiative, Hamilton said: “I believe that motor sport, like all other sports, is about freedom of expression in the pursuit of competition and excellence. Nothing more, nothing less.”

A number of Formula One’s personalities have added their voice to the campaign, such as world champion Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa and Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard

Raikkonen said: “Since I started in motor racing I’ve worked with people from all over the world.

“We are all here to go racing and prejudice will never play any part in that.”

Massa added: “The whole Formula One community should get behind this campaign.

“Formula One is a global sport and we should use it to promote equality wherever we can.”

As for veteran campaigner Coulthard, the Scot remarked: “Ever since I’ve been old enough to understand the meaning of the word racism, I’ve known it is wrong.

“For racism to exist in 2008 is totally unacceptable. This worthwhile campaign from the FIA shines a spotlight on something that sensible people everywhere should take for granted.”

Aside from the drivers, team bosses such as McLaren’s Ron Dennis, Renault’s Flavio Briatore and Red Bull’s Christian Horner have also spoken out.

Dennis said: “We applaud the FIA’s decision to launch an anti-racism campaign and we will support it in whatever way we can.”

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone further remarked: “The sport is all about a driver’s ability and this will never have anything to do with their race or the colour of their skin.”