The 2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled due to floods.
Imola has been set to host the sixth round of the 2023 F1 season. In unfortunate events, Mother Nature took its turn and Formula One personnel were asked to evacuate the paddock on Tuesday due to heavy floods around the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, before being advised to stay away on Wednesday as heavy rains continued.
Over 5 000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the Emilia-Romagna region, while government officials confirmed on Wednesday that at least eight people have been killed.
The conditions were not safe enough for the race weekend to proceed and the Gran Premio dell'Emilia-Romagna was officially cancelled on Wednesday.
The decision to cancel the event was taken by local authorities and race organisers as Italy has issued its most severe red weather warning for floods and landslides.
The official statement read:
"Following discussions between Formula One, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club for Italy, the President of Emilia-Romagna Region, the mayor of the city and the promoter, the decision has been taken to 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."
Regrettably, the likelihood of rescheduling the cancelled race seems unlikely, considering the jam-packed nature of this year's Formula One calendar. However, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix organisers are determined to explore every possible option.
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