SINGAPORE - Almost 1,000 armed and unarmed security guards will patrol the Singapore Grand Prix circuit this week and the message is, leave bags at home.

Ticket-holders attending the first Formula One race to be held in the city-state can expect to be thoroughly searched, a report said Wednesday.

They "should leave their bags and umbrellas at home for speedier clearance and easier access," The Straits Times quoted Rajoo Gopal, commander of the Aetos auxiliary police force, as saying.

The Aetos guards, equipped with hand-held metal detectors, will patrol the track grounds and be stationed at eight entry gates, including a waterfront jetty, the report said.

The street circuit hugs the waterfront and some of Singapore's best known colonial-era landmarks, like St Andrews Cathedral and The Padang.

Officials say about 100,000 fans were expected, including an estimated 40,000 from overseas.

"We are providing security, but security with a smile," Gopal told 938Live radio.

Singapore is one of Asia's safest cities and prides itself on tight security and rigorous anti-terrorist measures.