Grand Prix called off because of major flooding in Italy
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been called off this weekend because of major flooding in the region.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been called off this weekend because of major flooding in the region.
Discussions on Wednesday (May 17) between local authorities and organisers of the race at Imola in Italy concluded that the event could not proceed safely.
In addition, there was a desire not to dilute the efforts of emergency services dealing with problems across the area.
F1 said calling off the race was "the right and responsible thing to do".
F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said: "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.
"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."The decision comes after a red weather warning was issued for the region on Tuesday and Wednesday.
There has been widespread flooding across the Emilia Romagna region. At least three people have been killed and authorities have warned people to move to higher ground.
Red Bull's Alpha Tauri team, who are based in nearby Faenza, said in a statement they were "very concerned about events unfolding over the past hours in the whole Emilia Romagna area, with flooding and heavy rain causing considerable damage".
The statement added: "The team's factory is currently unaffected and everything is being done to ensure the safety of our employees and their families."
The Ferrari factory in Maranello is just over 50 miles north-west of Imola and also in the affected region.
