THE organisers of the San Marino Grand Prix were fined $1 million yesterday for a track invasion at the end of last month's race.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) World Motor Sport Council, meeting in Paris, suspended 75 per cent of the fine, but said the full amount would be payable if there were further track invasions at Imola in 1997 or 1998.

The organisers were urged to take measures to avoid a repeat of the incident.

The race, won by Damon Hill in a Williams, ended amid chaotic scenes as thousands of fans swarmed on to the track.

Third-placed Gerhard Berger said that when he took the chequered flag it was too dangerous to continue and stopped his Benetton.

The Imola track witnessed a similar invasion by fans last year, after which the FIA issued a stern warning that action would be taken if there were a recurrence.

The San Marino Grand Prix will remain on the 1997 calendar pending acceptance by a World Motor Sport Council meeting in October of a plan detailing how the organisers will prevent such events occurring in the future, FIA said in a statement.

"Our first duty, even before ensuring the safety of participants, is to keep the public away from competing cars," FIA president Max Mosley said.

"We can only do this with the help of the police authorities. Track invasions are not acceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances."