LONDON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Spanish Motorsport Federation President Carlos Garcia is backing off a comment he made about racism among British racing fans.
Garcia was quoted Wednesday in the British newspaper, The Sun, as saying it is ironic that British fans have supported rookie Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, who is black.
"It is perfectly normal for a British team and British fans wanting to succeed in (Formula One), but it is ironic that the racists in England are having to rely on a colored pilot," he said.
"These comments are just outrageous," said former F1 driver Johnny Herbert. "What a very strange thing to say."
Garcia subsequently claimed his comment was misinterpreted.
"What I meant was England has been looking for a Formula One idol for years," he said, "and no matter who he was they were going to give him all their support (and) there was no racist element to what I said."
Hamilton can become the 2007 Fomula One points champion if he wins Sunday's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix at Sao Paulo.
