Zoom The minority make more headlines for Spain

A new racism scandal broke out after the Barcelona race, but Lewis Hamilton insists he does not feel like Spain's ‘public enemy number one’.

One spectator on the grounds of the Circuit de Catalunya – emphasis on ‘one’ - sparked another FIA investigation, after blacking out his face and arms in derision of F1's only black driver. But when a plaque in his honour was unveiled for the track's 'Champions Avenue' on Friday, reigning world champion Hamilton said he felt the support of the local crowd.

"I want to say thank you to the people here at Catalunya for having me, and for their continued support," the Briton said.

Later, he was asked by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo if he minds being perceived as ‘public enemy number one’, following his intense rivalry with former McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso in 2007. "I don't feel I am," he answered. "I think I have great fans here. I feel good."

When asked about his rivalry with Spanish hero Alonso, and whether their friendship could be improved in the future, he added: "Fernando and I are friends already. We get along well."

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM