ALONSO DEFENDS SPAIN

Fernando Alonso has insisted that the country of Spain are not racist despite criticism when his team mate Lewis Hamilton got abused here during the preseason testing.He also said that there is no need to launch an anti racism campaign when the Spanish Grandprix is to be held at April.

Alonso's comments stem from an incident during a test session in Barcelona just over a fortnight ago when Hamilton was targeted by a small minority of spectators.

Widespread condemnation followed, with the FIA quickly adopting a positive attitude by saying they were "appalled" by the ugly scenes that unfolded at the Circuit de Catalunya.

But Alonso has joined forces with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who at the weekend stated the FIA's initiative was "unnecessary" due to what he perceived was "a one-off" incident.