Formula 1 has cancelled this weekend’s Imola Grand Prix due to heavy rain and flooding within the northern components of Italy.
On Tuesday, F1 personnel had been instructed to go away the monitor due to flooding.
Five individuals have been killed by flooding within the area, with hundreds evacuated from their properties, 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 mentioned in a statment.
Imola GP known as off due to flooding
Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities – together with the related Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia-Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter – the choice 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, mentioned: “It is such a tragedy to see what has occurred to Imola and Emilia-Romagna, the city and area that I grew up in, and my ideas and prayers are with the victims of the flooding and the households and communities affected.
“I need to specific my gratitude and admiration for the unbelievable emergency providers who’re working tirelessly to assist those that need assistance and alleviate the scenario – they’re heroes and the entire of Italy is happy with them.
The subsequent race is in Monaco subsequent week
“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 mentioned after a choice was made to cancel the Imola race.
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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem mentioned: “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.”
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