Belgian Grand Prix 2016: F1 bosses call in the army for extra security after recent ISIS terror attacks in Europe

FORMULA ONE track bosses have called in the Army to help safeguard this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Security has been significantly beefed up in response to the recent terror attacks in Europe.

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Armed officers have been patrolling the circuit including the pitlane while a heavily armoured vehicle was on Friday deployed at one of the main entrances to the circuit. Track bosses have also put in military-style checkpoints, using huge concrete blocks and giant bags of ballast to stop unauthorised vehicles from being driven into the circuit.

Organisers at the circuit in Spa have been working with police and specialist security firms to ensure the race goes ahead safely.

Ticket sales for the race have risen 25 per cent as Dutch and Belgian race fans come to cheer on local racer, Max Verstappen.

And organisers are determined not to let their guard down given that Belgium is believed to be a European hub for terror organisation ISIS.

Race promoter André Maes said: "Like all popular events that bring together tens of thousands of people, we have strict instructions relating to alert level three and the recent unfortunate events in our country and elsewhere.

"After what happened in Nice, we have to separate pedestrian areas from vehicle traffic lanes, so we removed for example all of the shopping areas in front of the La Source corner.

"We have committed a lot of additional controllers to inspect bags and refrigerated boxes, but also to do body searches if deemed necessary.

"We have received the backing of the army to help us ensure maximum safety at the site. For us, safety is a priority. The public can come without any fear."

While armoured police and military vehicles are common in other GPs, they are rarely present at European races.

At the recent German GP before the F1 summer break, regular security firm, CAM Security, were understood to have taken nearly double the numbers of staff and oversaw car parks and queuing areas.

Over the summer, Formula One Management wrote to F1 teams to explain security would be tightened for this race as a standard precaution.

Teams frequently enhance their own security steps at races such as Bahrain and Brazil.

And team insiders are confident with the extra measures that have been put in place for this weekend’s race.

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal, said: “There is clearly a more visible security presence at the track, compared to previous Belgian Grand Prix, but it’s extremely thorough and well-organised and does not concern the team any more than usual.

"It’s great to see so many fans coming out to support the event and it should be another memorable Belgian Grand Prix.”