Storm chaos also affects Formula 1

The racing series announced on Wednesday that it was not safe to hold the Grand Prix in Italy under the current circumstances. “It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and security forces in this difficult time,” it said after discussions between the Formula 1 leadership and the responsible ministries, the regional administration and the Italian motorsport association.

Heavy rainfall has been falling for days in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, where the Imola race track is located. The paddock at the racetrack was evacuated on Tuesday for safety reasons because a nearby river threatened to overflow its banks. No Formula 1 staff were allowed to work on the course on Wednesday either. The preparations for the sixth round of the season were already significantly delayed.

Chaos in Emilia-Romagna The Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini had already called for the cancellation of the Formula 1 race on Wednesday in view of the situation. As Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, he spoke to the authorities and organizers of the Grand Prix, ministry sources said on Wednesday. There are more pictures and videos of the storm chaos in Emilia-Romagna on STOL.

There has been severe weather chaos in Emilia Romagna for days. © ANSA / PASQUALE BOVE

These days, Salvini from the right-wing populist Lega said that all efforts must be devoted to the fight against storms and floods. In addition, it is important to avoid overcrowding in the affected areas due to the large number of visitors and cars.

The area on the Adriatic coast has been hit by severe storms since Tuesday. At least five people were killed, Italy's Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci confirmed on Wednesday. The search continues for a missing person.

Formula 1 and the teams expressed their condolences to those affected by the storms. The racing factories of the Ferrari and Alpha Tauri teams are also located near the race track. By the way, the HC Bozen ice hockey team would have been there in Imola on Friday at the invitation of Haas team boss Günther Steiner. This meeting must now also be canceled.

Will the race be rescheduled? The Grand Prix in Imola was planned as the sixth round of the season and was supposed to be the start of the European Formula 1 season. It is extremely questionable whether the race will be rescheduled this year. The calendar is already full. The classic in Monaco is scheduled to continue next week. The guest appearance in Barcelona follows a week later.

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Storm chaos also affects Formula 1

The Formula 1 race in Imola planned for Sunday has been canceled due to heavy rain and flooding.

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