Italian Deputy PM demands Imola GP is called off as F1 bosses plan response

F1 Preview: A Lap Of The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, has called for this weekend’s Imola Grand Prix to be postponed. Heavy rainfall over the past few weeks has devastated the region, with F1 bosses set to release their final decision on Wednesday afternoon regarding whether the race can go ahead as planned.

Emergency services in Emilia Romagna are already working flat out as severe weather conditions batter the region, with hundreds forced out of their homes and two killed. Meanwhile, floods and road closures may cause havoc with thousands of supporters set to descend on the area ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix at Imola.

Personnel in the paddock were told to leave as a precautionary measure on Tuesday as the nearby Santerno river threatened to burst its banks. F1 bosses are reportedly rushing to make a concrete decision before more fans arrive in Emilia Romagna.

Now, Deputy PM Salvini has thrown his weight behind a postponement after holding direct contact with ministers, institutions and associations involved. “Let’s dedicate ourselves to relief efforts,” he added, per Sky in Italy.

Salvini also Tweeted a heartfelt message of support to all those affected earlier this week. “My total closeness to all the citizens of the areas hit today by heavy rains and thunderstorms, especially in Emilia Romagna,” it read.

“I am monitoring the situation of the local infrastructure: my ministry is available to the mayors, we are ready to do our part. A deep thank you to all the relief workers involved in these difficult times.”

Although the weather is predicted to ease off in time for Sunday’s Grand Prix, which should leave the circuit in a suitable condition, concerning photos circulating on social media show other areas of the venue flooded with water.

Furthermore, Italian authorities would face fierce scrutiny if emergency services were stationed at Imola while civilians required help elsewhere. F1 teams banished from the paddock have consequently fallen behind on their set-up procedures, leaving them squeezed for time even if Sunday’s race gets the green light.

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