Formula 1 has announced that a decision has been made not to stage the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.
Since the beginning of the week, major flooding has hit the area, with three people being killed and mass evacuations having been ordered.
On Tuesday, it became apparent that teams would not be able to set up as usual, the sport taking a back seat with extreme weather warnings being put out for Wednesday and Thursday.
Although it appeared at one stage that a cancellation would be unlikely, it is a developing situation in the Emilia Romagna region and one which brings uncertainty on every level.
With that in mind and to ensure that the authorities and emergency services are not hindered in any way, the collective decision has been made to cancel the race.
F2 paddock pic.twitter.com/ff1gRlqvUI
— Rocio Romero Navarrete (@SerenaRF1) May 17, 2023
A statement from F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali read: "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."
As it stands, the schedule will be reduced to 22 races unless a gap is found for the race to be scheduled at a later date.
The Monaco Grand Prix is next on the calendar on May 28 with the Spanish Grand Prix following a week later.
Darren Plant
