Circuit honours Hamilton a year after racism row

McLaren's Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was honoured yesterday by the Barcelona circuit where last year he suffered racist abuse from spectators.

The subject of last year was not mentioned in speeches before the 24-year-old Briton, the sport's youngest champion and first black driver, unveiled a plaque commemorating his 2008 title.

"Thanks for your Passion and Support," said the handwritten message above the driver's signature. The plaque will be installed on the circuit's Champions' Avenue.

Others already honoured are the late Ayrton Senna, Ferrari's seven-times champion Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell and Australian motorcycling great Mick Doohan.

So too is local hero and double champion Fernando Alonso, Hamilton's former team-mate whose fans were blamed for the abuse after the Spaniard fell out with McLaren management in 2007.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to show you that you are a driver who is always welcome to Catalunya," circuit director Ramon Praderas told Hamilton.

Hamilton said he appreciated the gesture.

"To have heard the speech and know I am welcome here is a great thing for me, and to be recognised as world champion is something very, very special to me. I will always carry that with me," he said.