Feb.3 (GMM) Spanish formula one supporters at the Barcelona test this weekend hurled rubbish and insults at McLaren, and racial abuse at 2007 championship runner-up Lewis Hamilton.

Extra security guards were called to the Circuit de Catalunya venue and temporary barriers erected, abusive banners were removed from grandstands, and circuit officials called for calm, following a series of events as eight of the sport's eleven teams prepared for the 2008 season in Spain.

Hamilton, 23, who last year shared a difficult relationship with former teammate Fernando Alonso, was called a 'puto negro' (fucking black) and 'negro de mierda' (black shit) by large sections of the approximately 20,000-strong crowd on Sunday, according to the Spanish sports daily Marca.

"It is not right the way he is being treated," the news agency Reuters quotes McLaren test team manager Indy Lall as saying.

A spokeswoman for the Mercedes-powered team said: "McLaren has raced and tested on Spanish circuits for many years and everyone connected with the team regards Spain and the Spanish people with great affection, Lewis included."