Terrible ‘red weather’ may lead to cancellation of the Imola GP: Report

There are only a few days left for the Imola GP, and the event could be canceled due to the extreme weather conditions in the region.

Terrible ‘red weather’ may lead to cancellation of the Imola GP: Report

Mercedes and Red Bull (Image via GPFans)

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. This Formula 1 racing event, well known as Imola GP, is scheduled for May 21st. The fans look forward to the first race of the triple header. Also, many teams had admitted that they would bring their first major updates to Imola. However, they might not get a chance to test their updates this weekend because of the weather conditions.

The Imola Grand Prix is under threat due to the extreme weather alert. As per the report, there is a heavy rain forecast for the race weekend in Imola. People are worried whether the race would go ahead as planned. The regional weather service of Imola issued a red weather warning of heavy rain and flood. Though this warning was predicted for May 16th and 17th, it is most likely to continue the whole week. 

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The Herald Sun reported that weather forecasters predicted 160 mm of rain on Tuesday and 110mm on Wednesday. Saturday afternoon is scheduled for the qualifying session, but heavy rainfall and a storm are predicted. Thus, there is a chance that the Grand Prix could be canceled due to the “red weather” conditions. Two people were killed in the region because of the horrendous flooding a few weeks back. However, it was confirmed that the track did not incur any damage. 

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F1 might not be able to host the Imola GP

Red Bull (Image via Fox Sports)
Red Bull in Imola (Image via Fox Sports)

A Twitter user Emi explained the weather situation in Imola. The individual said, “Should the weather remain the same / worsen and should the Civil Defense declare the region in conditions of Red Weather for the weekend as well, there’s nothing Formula 1 can do, and the weekend would fail.” The Civil Defense will make the final call regarding the racing event. 

If the condition does not improve after Thursday, the authorities will most likely extend the red weather period. Formula 1 will have to abide by the rules, and they would not have any power to host the Grand Prix as scheduled. It is outside their jurisdiction.

A red weather alert is a dangerous condition. People would not be allowed to leave their houses due to the extreme weather condition. This includes the Formula 1 drivers and team members. 

The chance of rain during the two practice sessions on Friday is 70 percent. On Saturday, there is an 85 percent chance of rainfall during the third free practice and the qualifying session. Moving to race day, there is an 80 percent chance of rain.

While it is risky to go racing in these conditions, especially with a red weather warning, Formula 1 have not made any official announcement yet. The fans are patiently waiting for the official confirmation or cancelation of the Imola GP. 

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