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FIA announces F1 Emilia Romagna GP will not go ahead

  • Darshan Chokhani
    • FIA, F1, Emilia Romagna GP

    IMOLA, ITALY - APRIL 23: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on April 23, 2022 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202204230247 // Usage for editorial use only //

    The FIA has announced the cancellation of the F1 Emilia Romagna GP weekend which including the F2 and F3 races.

    As the situation was looking likely to happen, the FIA has confirmed that the F1 Emilia Romagna GP will not take place in Imola this weekend due to persistent rain and flood like situation in the region where safety has been given precedence.

    The rain has been relentless for weeks and even with some respite in between, it has played havoc in the Emilia Romagna region. The hope was for the weather to get better but the prediction has remained 50-50 with waterlogging in huge amounts.

    The meeting on Wednesday eventually called off the grand prix with the Italian Government too requesting the officials to not hold the event where the resources are better off to save people in the region. Not just the F1, but the F2 and F3 races are off too.

    Interestingly, they haven’t mentioned anything about total cancellation or postponement. It remains to be seen if they add the F1 grand prix at a later stage or the calendar trims down to 22 events after the initial count of 24, which saw a cancellation in China.

    “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,” said Stefano Domenicali.

    “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 on them. 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.”

    At the same time, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “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.”

    Here’s the press note from FIA, F1 –

    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 in 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. It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.

    Here’s Emilia Romagna flood

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