The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola is under threat after severe weather hit the region and caused the evacuation of the paddock on Tuesday, while further heavy rain is expected on Thursday and there are fears the adjacent river may burst its banks.
Formula One took the precaution with the possibility of flooding affecting the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari over a two-day period during which authorities issued a red alert for Tuesday and Wednesday of flooding and landslides in the Emilia Romagna region. F1 is monitoring the situation and remains optimistic that the race will go ahead this weekend as planned.
The region was already hit two weeks ago by severe weather, which caused two fatalities, and the forecast is for it to continue all this week, with thunderstorms forecast for Saturday and Sunday. Teams had already arrived at the track to begin their build for the weekend, with Tuesday the principal day used for assembling their garages, equipment, motor homes and hospitality. After the weather warning was issued they continued to do so until the race promoter and authorities asked them to leave as a precaution, which was carried out in a calm and orderly fashion.
The circuit is flanked by the Santerno River which runs parallel to the paddock. F1 has insisted the river banks have not been breached but it is being monitored, with very high water levels. Videos of it on social media showed the broad and fast-flowing waterway running exceptionally high and that there was some water accumulating in the paddock and track area. The FIA is also monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of all F1 personnel.
The expectation is the rain will abate somewhat before this weekend’s race but further heavy rain is forecast for Wednesday, with warnings of between 100mm and 150mm. Conditions on the race weekend are understood to not be of a concern but rather the issues that could affect the circuit from significant flooding before then, particularly if the river level rises further.
More than 120,000 fans are expected to attend this weekend but for the moment the National Crisis Unit in Italy, which has warned of up to 150mm of rain on Wednesday, has already urged people to remain at home because of the risks the severe weather posed.
“In the areas affected by the red alert, the mayors could foresee, for tomorrow, the closure of schools and roads most at risk, starting from those near the banks and landslide areas,” it warned. “The invitation to citizens is to avoid travel as much as possible and to resort, where possible, to smart working.”
