SUNDAY’S Emilia Romagna GP has been CANCELLED due to heavy flooding in the region.
All staff were told to stay away from the track today after being evacuated yesterday.
Emergency services have been evacuating people from their homes and while the race track itself was not flooded, the nearby river is close to bursting its banks.
And F1 confirmed today that the race is off, saying “it is not possible to safely hold the event”.
The drivers were originally expected to arrive at the circuit tomorrow, with the first practice session due to be held on Friday.
But now the entire weekend has been cancelled.
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An F1 statement read: “The Formula 1 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.
“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 has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend at Imola.
“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.
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“It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
And 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
In an Instagram story, Brit F1 legend Lewis Hamilton said his thoughts are with those caught up in the floods.
He wrote: “Hoping everyone in Emilia Romagna is able to stay safe and look out for each other right now. Thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and the amazing emergency services working on the ground.
“I know we all understand that safety comes first. I can’t wait to see you all at the next race.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell said the safety of those involved must come first.
He wrote: “Sorry for the fans that this weekend’s race has been cancelled but the safety of everyone involved always has to come first.
“Wishing all the best to everyone in the Emilia-Romagna region and surrounding areas that have been affected by these floods.”
And fellow Brit Lando Norris wrote: “I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important.
“Sorry to all the fans, we’ll be back Imona, stay safe.”
The BBC say F1 will look to see if the race can be rescheduled, but the busy 23-race calendar means it is thought to be unlikely.
The vast amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of this weekend’s venue underwater.
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is located right next to the Santerno river.
And there is a red weather warning in place as adverse conditions continue to batter the region.
Thursday is forecast to be dry at the track, but rain is expected to return over the weekend.
It is the first time an F1 race has been cancelled due to the weather however totally understandable given the flooding risk.
The race was also due to be part of a triple-header with races in Monaco and Barcelona in consecutive weekends.
Should F1 have run into difficulties on Sunday evening with packing away the cars, equipment and motorhomes, it would have had a knock on effect.
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The logistics surrounding the construction of the Monaco paddock, which is squeezed in around the marina, are already a strain on the riggers.
A delay could have meant that next week’s race would have been impacted.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
