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This weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled after intense flooding hit the region.
Formula 1 employees were advised not to travel to the track earlier today (May 17) amid the extreme weather conditions. The decision has now been made to cancel the race weekend after chiefs held discussions with the authorities.
Announcing the cancellation, an F1 statement read: "The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region. We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need.
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"Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter the decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola.
"The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region. It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time."
The area has been given a maximum red weather warning and it's feared the Santerno river situated next to the circuit could break its banks. Some of the facilities at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari are flooded, but the F1 paddock remains clear.
However, pressing on as planned would put extra strain on the emergency services, who have been evacuating people from their homes. So far two people have died as a result of the flooding this month.
The packed F1 schedule means the Grand Prix may have to be scrapped altogether this year, although options are set to be explored. Moving it to the first weekend of August in the summer break has been suggested.
Fans will now have to wait for the Monaco Grand Prix a week on Sunday. Defending champion Max Verstappen currently leads the standings having won three of the opening five races of the season, with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez claiming victory in the other two.
More to follow.
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