Formula 1 Cancels Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Over Flooding
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The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been officially canceled due to flooding in the northern region of Italy, Formula 1 confirmed Wednesday.
Discussions between F1, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and local authorities came to the conclusion that the race could not continue under the current conditions. Formula 1 said in a statement cancelation of the Grand Prix was the "right and responsible thing to do" since it wouldn't be possible to safely hold the event for fans and teams alike. Organizers also did not want to put an extra burden on local authorities and emergency services.
“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," F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.
The event's cancelation comes less than one day after personnel were ordered to evacuate Imola circuit. Video shows the Santerno river, which runs adjacent the track, reaching dangerously high levels, while photos and videos from neighboring towns show vehicles mostly underwater.
“My thoughts and those of the entire FIA family are with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia Romagna region," Ben Sulayem said in a statement. "The safety of everyone involved and recovery efforts are the top priority at this time.”
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