Oct.18 (GMM) F1's governing body investigated claims of racism ahead of the championship finale in Brazil.



Amid the increasingly hostile teammates' clash between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, the head of the Spanish motorsport federation was this week quoted as describing Hamilton's British supporters as "racist".



"It is perfectly normal for a British team and British fans to want to succeed in formula one," FIA vice-president Carlos Gracia reportedly said, "but it is ironic that the racists in England are having to rely on a coloured pilot."



He later said his comments had been misinterpreted and quoted out of context, but an FIA spokesman confirmed that the Paris body had "noted" the reports.



"We have received his assurance that such comments have been inaccurately reported," the spokesman told PA Sport.



"The prohibition of racial, political or religious discrimination is fundamental to the FIA's role as the governing body of international motor sport.



"No compromise or violation of this prohibition will ever be acceptable," the spokesman added.