Next month’s Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will be held without spectators owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Imola returned to the Formula 1 schedule in 2020 as part of a calendar that was heavily overhauled due to the pandemic.
Organisers outlined plans for spectators to attend in a limited capacity but this was abandoned in the run-up to last autumn’s event as Italy introduced tighter measures.
Imola was added to a revised 2021 calendar as the second round, due to be held from April 16 to 18, but once more it will be held behind closed doors.
Italy, including the Emilia Romagna region in which Imola is located, recently re-introduced tighter measures amid an increase in Covid-19 cases.
Of last year’s 17 events paying spectators were only permitted in limited capacity at Mugello, Sochi, the Nurburgring and Portimao.
This weekend’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix is due to welcome spectators, though only locals who have either been vaccinated or have fully recovered from the virus.
Organisers of events in Europe across the spring and summer months are continuing to monitor the situation in conjunction with governmental decrees.
It has already been confirmed that Azerbaijan’s grand prix, planned for early June in Baku, will be held without spectators.