Motorsport.com revealed earlier this month that Imola representatives met with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to try to find a way to return to the calendar amid fears about Monza's future.

One option being looked at is for Imola and Monza to share the race from 2017, which should in theory help both venues in finding the revenue needed to host the grand prix.

But former F1 driver Ivan Capelli, who is president of the Automobile Club of Milan that oversees the Monza race, said that a deal to alternate the race was not of much interest.

"We haven't received any official proposal from Imola to alternate the race," Capelli told Motorsport.com

"Everybody's experience shows that that kind of situation is not good for F1. In Spain it didn't work, in Germany it didn't work, it didn't work in Japan with Suzuka and Fuji.

"We have a contract that is there and we would like to renew this contract. But as a sportsman, I am saying that if the alternating race is the only option that we have to not lose the GP of Italy, they we have to consider it.

"But because alternating races does not work, we should have a new idea of interpreting this kind of situation. At the moment I don't think there is one."

Imola offer to sharpen focus

Monza chiefs are due to meet Ecclestone soon to present a proposal that they hope will be enough to secure a fresh contract.

Capelli said he was keeping his fingers crossed that the national government would react to the serious threat of losing the race.

"Let's say the fact that Imola are saying they are ready is probably waking up a little bit the politicians in Rome who must actually support the GP," he said.

"We are meeting Ecclestone soon to show him our situation and our proposal."