Formula 1

F1 chief admits rescheduling Imola GP in 2023 will be 'difficult'

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Rescheduling the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2023 will be "difficult", Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admits.

This weekend's race at Imola was called off on Wednesday after heavy rain triggered significant flooding in the region for the second time this month.

“There are difficult decisions but in certain situations, they have to be taken,” Domenicali told Italy's SkySport24.

“It is logical to give priority to what is happening. It is a difficult situation and the priority was the safety of the population that is suffering.

“We are close to those who are suffering, we are also starting a fundraising campaign for the region for the AlphaTauri team, which is based in Faenza.

“Some of the guys working for the team have lost everything. In agreement with the authorities, we will lend a hand in a very complicated situation.

“When I arrived on Tuesday evening it was clear that there was no other alternative [but to cancel the race]."

The circuit itself was largely spared with only the lower paddock area - where the support categories and broadcasting operation were based - being flooded.

However: “The complexity of organising an event like a GP takes manpower, logistics and facilities," Domenicali continued.

“The track would have been ready to be run, but the priority was something else. Having said that, I informed all the teams and nobody had any objections.

“We are sorry for the Imola fans and enthusiasts, we will try to find the right solution."

F1 didn't confirm if the race had been postponed or cancelled altogether in Wednesday's announcement, but Domenicali was pessimistic about finding a new date. 

“Given the tight schedule in 2023, it is difficult to think we can make up for it this year, but we have a moral obligation to those who have worked so hard and we will see,” he concluded.

Teams and drivers quickly voiced their support after the decision to call off this weekend's race, with local team AlphaTauri the most impacted.

“Scuderia AlphaTauri is very concerned about events unfolding over the past hours in Faenza and indeed in the whole Emilia-Romagna area, with flooding and heavy rain causing considerable damage," a statement read.

“The team’s factory is currently unaffected and everything is being done to ensure the safety of our employees and their families.

“Our sympathies go out to all those affected.”

Likewise, Ferrari also has a very close association with the area.

“On behalf of everyone working for Scuderia Ferrari I would like to express our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” team boss Fred Vasseur said.

“Emilia-Romagna is our homeland and it’s heartbreaking to see what people are going through at the moment.”

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