IMOLA, Italy (AP) — The Italian Grand Prix that was due to take place this weekend in the northern Emilia-Romagna region of the country was canceled Wednesday due to deadly flooding in the area.
Formula One said it made the decision for security reasons and to avoid additional burdens for emergency services, after consultations with Italian political authorities.
“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 right and responsible thing to do given the situation facing the towns and cities of the region,” F1 explained. in a statement: “It would not be right to put more pressure on local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said it was “a tragedy to see what has happened in Imola and in Emilia-Romagna, the city and region where I grew up, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the floods. and affected families and communities.”
At least five people have died from the floods and another 5,000 have been evacuated, while power supplies and cell phone networks have been severely affected. Thousands of fans were expected to flock to the circuit on Friday for pre-race training sessions, adding more pressure to an already overcrowded transport system.
“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the incredible emergency services that are working tirelessly to help those in need and alleviate the situation. They are heroes and all of Italy is proud of them,” said Domenicali. “The decision that has been made is the right one for everyone in the local communities and in the F1 family as we have to ensure safety and not create additional burdens for the authorities as they deal with this horrible situation.”
Formula One staff had already been ordered to stay away from the circuit after downpours drenched large areas in the Emilia-Romagna region. Some residents of the town of Imola, close to the runway, have been warned to move to the higher floors of their houses.
The Santerno River runs right next to the Imola Circuit.
The Italian Minister of Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, had requested the cancellation of the grand prize to allow the arrival of resources and aid to the areas most affected by the floods.
This is the second cancellation of the season. The Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for April, was canceled in December amid concerns over restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
If the Imola Grand Prix is not rescheduled, unlikely given the competition’s busy schedule, the season will run to 22 rounds, the same as last year, rather than setting a new record of 23.
AlphaTauri, which is based in nearby Faenza and is the closest team to the circuit, launched a fundraising appeal on Wednesday to help the local population.
“Unfortunately, our city of Faenza has once again suffered heavy rain and consequent flooding,” the team said on Twitter.
The race in Italy was due to start three weeks of consecutive tests. The Monaco Grand Prix will be held on May 28 and the Spanish Grand Prix a week later.
