Briton afforded greater protection from possible racist repeat.

Officials at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona appear to have taken the threat of losing the Spanish Grand Prix seriously, judging by reports of security measures being taken to prevent a repeat of the abuse dished out to Lewis Hamilton earlier in the year.

With the final group test of the season taking place at the circuit this week, plans have been put into operation to ensure that Hamilton is able to go about his business with McLaren without harassment from the crowd - although some may consider certain measures to be pandering a little bit too much to the situation.

According to Britain's Guardian newspaper, circuit organisers admitted that changes had been made to security, with barriers limiting access for fans and media alike. More obviously, however, the section of the main grandstand opposite the McLaren pit, and the roof terrace above the team's garages, were both out of bounds to spectators.

"We have made some changes," a circuit spokesperson told the newspaper, "We checked all banners and fans' clothes as they came in, which we usually only do at the grand prix. We also shut off the part of the stand opposite McLaren so that the fans would be unable to upset [Hamilton]. Access has been reduced in the paddock and we have also closed part of the roof because we want McLaren and Hamilton to be comfortable."

However, while the actions of a minority of fans at the opening Barcelona test are not being treated lightly, the venue maintains that the allegedly racist abuse was a one-off and that there were no plans to raise security any further. As if to demonstrate the point, the McLaren team was cordoned off behind a single makeshift barrier in the paddock, with a marked lack of security for personnel.

While Hamilton has attempted to shrug off the row that followed the initial test, claiming only that the matter made him 'sad' and that he was 'focused only on racing', the FIA has waded in with the launch of an anti-racism campaign - derided by Bernie Ecclestone - and threats to remove both of Spain's Formula One events should there be any repeat of the abuse.

Hamilton has shown no sign of being distracted from the job in hand this week, topping the times on each of the first two days of the test, despite speculation that Ferrari would hold the upper hand at the circuit, as it has at many tests this season. The Briton and new team-mate Heikki Kovalainen led the way in 1-2 formation on day two.