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Posted at 7:04 a.m., Sunday, February 3, 2008

Autos: Lewis Hamilton endures racist taunts in Spain

Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain — Lewis Hamilton endured racist taunts from spectators at Formula One testing, Spanish media reported today.

The 23-year-old from Britain, F1's first black driver, was jeered and insulted when he moved between the McLaren motorhome and the team's garage at the Montmelo circuit on Saturday.

Circuit director Ramon Pradera instructed staff to erect barriers around the team's paddock for Hamilton's safety, the reports said. Banners making references to Hamilton and team boss Ron Dennis were removed while the stands directly above McLaren's garage were cleared to ensure no debris could be thrown down when the car returned to the pit lane.

"We would like to make a plea to the fans to behave correctly," Pradera said. "No type of offensive behavior can be tolerated."

Last season, Fernando Alonso of Spain failed to clinch a third straight championship after he joined McLaren from Renault. Alonso finished third in the drivers' standings, while rookie Hamilton was second.

Alonso has since rejoined Renault.