It is a local tradition of the Catalonian circuit that every F1 champion should be granted with an entry along the “Avenue of Champions” access road ahead of the actual grand prix. As the McLaren driver has won his first title in 2008, this would be his turn to walk the “Champions' way” in Catalonia.
Nevertheless, it seems McLaren are yet to agree to the celebration, as revealed by Spanish newspaper Marca. The sports publication reported that the Spanish organizers are still in doubt over holding the Friday ceremony, as the British team is yet to respond tho their request.
Hamilton was the victim of several racial insults by the Spanish fans during the off-season testing sessions conducted by McLaren at the Circuit de Catalonia between 2007 and 2008. It happened right after crowd favorite and double world champion Fernando Alonso had left the Woking based team as a result of a conflict between him and Hamilton.
Nevertheless, should McLaren decide it's all water under the bridge and give green light to the ceremony, the event will take place – hopefully without the booing of the Spanish fans this time – after the two practice sessions on Friday.
The Spanish Grand Prix this weekend marks the debut of the Formula 1 caravan on European soil in 2009. Action at Circuit de Catalonia will debut at 10 AM (local time) on Friday.
Google News