Belgian Grand Prix organisers are increasing anti-terrorism measures ahead of next week's race at Spa-Francorchamps.

The race will be the first after Formula One's summer break and the penultimate European race of the season.



Race promoter Andre Mas told La Derniere Heure newspaper they have sold 25 per-ccent more tickets than last year, mainly due to the fanfare surrounding rising star Max Verstappen.

"We expect between 15,000 and 20,000 Dutch," Mas said.



"We are 25 per-cent ahead compared to last year, which was already a good year," he added. "All the stands are sold out. There are only general admission tickets for sale on site at the new counter at the La Source gate."



But Mas admitted that the biggers crowd bring greater concerns with regards to the high threat of terrorism in Europe, particularly Belgium.



"Like all popular events that bring together tens of thousands of people, we have strict instructions relating to alert level 3 and the recent unfortunate events in our country and elsewhere," he said.



"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 La Source," Mas revealed.



"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," he added.



"For us, safety is a priority. The public can come without any fear."