The worst omens have been confirmed: the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in the circuit of Imola will not be held this weekend, as confirmed by the Formula 1.
“The postponement of the Imola Grand Prix is appropriate in the face of the emergency due to bad weather that plagues Emilia-Romagna”, reads part of the organization’s statement.
“It is not possible to ensure the security of the fans, the teams and the staff,” he adds.
Late this Monday, the Department of Civil Protection issued a red alert forecast for the Emilia-Romagna region that remains in force, for the moment, until this Wednesday.
The Santerno river, which is overflowing, passes a few meters from the Imola route and there is a risk of flooding if it continues like this.
The Formula 2 and Formula 3 paddock is flooded and the alert for extreme rain, floods and landslides It has had consequences.
Roads and bridges in the area are closed and staff have been told not to go to the circuit.
Full statement from F1
“The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts and support to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia Romagna region. We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything possible to help to the needed”.
“Following discussions between Formula 1, the FIA President, the competent authorities, including the competent Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of the Emilia Romagna Region, the mayor of the city and the promoter, The decision has been made not to proceed with the grand prix weekend at Imola.”
“The decision has been made because it is not possible to hold the event safely for our fans, teams and our staff and It is the correct and responsible thing to do given the situation that the towns and cities of the region are going through. It would not be right to put more pressure on local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
The decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola#EmiliaRomagnaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/4taauGnFEA
—Formula 1 (@F1) May 17, 2023
