Formula One's governing body launched an anti-racism campaign yesterday at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit where McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was abused in February.

"With the support of the Formula One community, the launch of the EveryRace campaign sends a message that discrimination and prejudice can have no place in sport or society," the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said.

Hamilton, F1's first black driver and former team-mate of Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso, was abused by spectators at the Circuit de Catalunya during a pre-season test.

The FIA warned the Spanish authorities and circuits after that incident that the country's two grands prix - the other is in Valencia in August - could be at risk if there was any repeat. There has been none and the governing body said yesterday they had received a comprehensive report from the Spanish motor racing authorities and circuit owners.

Hamilton spoke warmly of the Spanish fans in a McLaren preview of Sunday's race, making clear he harboured no ill-feelings.

"The Circuit de Catalunya is a great track; we can't ever lose it from the calendar," he said. "It always sees competitive racing and there are so many enthusiastic fans there all the time."

On the campaign website, he added: "I believe that motorsport, like all other sports, is about freedom of expression in the pursuit of competition and excellence. Nothing more, nothing less."