Lewis Hamilton insists racist taunts have not altered his opinion of Spain despite the abuse leaving him "sad".
The McLaren star was jeered and insulted when he moved between the McLaren motorhome and the team's garage at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Montmelo, near Barcelona, during pre-season tests on Saturday.
Pictures taken at the circuit show some spectators aiming abusive gestures and a group wearing wigs, dark make-up and t-shirts with the slogan 'Hamilton's Family' on the front.
The 23-year-old was targeted by some local fans following his public falling-out with former team-mate Fernando Alonso last season.
"The truth is that I feel somewhat sad, I am in love with this country, and especially the city of Barcelona and this circuit, which is one of my three favourites," said Hamilton, speaking to sportlifepress.com.
"The people in Spain have always been very warm with me, and even though I imagined what might happen it has not been pleasant.
"But maybe these types of things make you learn to appreciate more the warmth of the public, who although you always try to be there for them, you never know how important they are to you until these types of things happen."
Alonso has since joined Renault for the new season after a difficult 2007 partnering rookie Hamilton.
"I would like them (the Spanish fans) to understand my position," Hamilton said.
"The only thing that I have done is to try to give the best of myself and try to win the championship, at no point have I tried to deliberately prejudice Fernando, but the fight has been very tough and my image in Spain has been severely damaged."
McLaren have attempted to play down the problems but the sport's governing body, the FIA, have pledged to take a hard line on any future incidents.
A team statement read: "Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have raced and tested on Spanish circuits for many years, and everyone connected with the team regards Spain and the Spanish people with great affection, Lewis included."
The FIA, however, have warned that Spain could even be stripped of its grands prix as a result of such incidents. The country is due to host two races this year, at Barcelona and Valencia.
A spokesman said: "FIA are surprised and disappointed at the abuse directed at Lewis Hamilton.
"An act of this kind is a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the FIA statutes, and any repetition will result in sanctions."
The management at the circuit have also warned spectators about their behaviour.
Circuit director Ramon Pradera said: "We would like to make a plea to the fans to behave correctly. No type of offensive behaviour can be tolerated."
Hamilton fought hard with Alonso for the world title last year, with their rivalry growing more intense as the season wore on.
Ultimately, both drivers were to miss out as Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen nipped in to take the crown at the final race.
Former Sports Minister Richard Caborn has spoken of his disgust at the incidents in Spain.
Caborn said: "This is totally unacceptable. I spoke to the Spanish sports minister when England players were abused a few years ago.
"It is disgusting behaviour and has no place in sport."
Source : www.sportinglife.com
