The next grand prix of 2021 will be a 'ghost race', Emilia Romagna regional president Stefano Bonaccini has revealed.

Last year, the covid-19 substitute race at Imola was also held behind closed doors, and Bonaccini said the situation must remain the same for 2021 as well.

"The grand prix on April 18 will be behind closed doors, just like last November's," he is quoted by Italian media during a visit to a hospital in Parma.

Imola only returned to the calendar last year and in 2021 to make up for cancelled or postponed grands prix due to covid-19.

But Bonaccini is hopeful that Formula 1 will be back at the Italian venue in 2022 - with a crowd.

"I hope it will be the last time without an audience," he said. "That would mean that we have finally won the challenge."