Imola GP: CANCELLED due to flooding
Formula 1 has cancelled this weekend’s Imola Grand Prix due to heavy rain and flooding in the northern parts of Italy. On Tuesday, F1 personnel had been instructed to leave the track due to flooding. Five people have been killed by flooding in the region, with thousands evacuated from their homes, SkySports reported on Wednesday. “The F1 […]
Formula 1 has cancelled this weekend’s Imola Grand Prix due to heavy rain and flooding in the northern parts of Italy.
On Tuesday, F1 personnel had been instructed to leave the track due to flooding.
Five people have been killed by flooding in the region, with thousands evacuated from their homes, SkySports reported on Wednesday.
“The F1 community wants to send its thoughts 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 they can to help those in need,” Formula 1 said in a statement.
IMOLA GP CALLED OFF DUE TO FLOODING
F1 made the right decision today. Lives are at risk, and it would be very irresponsible to put even more lives in danger, in case circumstances get worse. Not to mention that, even if conditions improve, focus needs to remain on helping locals already affected. #ImolaGP
— deni (@fiagirly) May 17, 2023
Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities – including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia-Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter – the decision not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend at Imola was taken.
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“The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region. It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “It is such a tragedy to see what has happened to Imola and Emilia-Romagna, the town and region that I grew up in, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding and the families and communities affected.
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
“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the incredible emergency services who are working tirelessly to help those who need help and alleviate the situation – they are heroes and the whole of Italy is proud of them.
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“The decision that has been taken is the right one for everyone in the local communities and the F1 family as we need to ensure safety and not create extra burden for the authorities while they deal with this very awful situation,” he said after a decision was made to cancel the Imola race.
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A tense duel between Russell and K-Mag on our last trip to Imola! 👀
The legendary circuit has hosted some incredible battles! 👇#ImolaGP #F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 16, 2023
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “My thoughts and those of the entire FIA family are with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia-Romagna region. The safety of everyone involved and recovery efforts are the top priority at this time.”
This article was originally published by ELIOT MAHLASE.