With heavy rain forecasted for the Emilia-Romagna GP weekend in Imola next week, fans are worried whether the race will actually go ahead. Local authorities in Imola have issued a high alert for rains, and there are also flood warnings that have been issued in the region.
As per Italian meteorological site Arpae, the local Civil defense has declared conditions ‘red weather’ for Tuesday and Wednesday. These two days, the weather is expected to be horrendous, with heavy rainfall in the region continuing onto the weekend. If the ‘red weather’ conditions get extended by the authorities, F1 won’t be able to stop the Imola GP’s cancellation.
when i say that should Civil Defence extend the Red Weather warning to the weekend there’s *absolutely* nothing Formula 1 could do — i really, really mean it. in that case not even almighty Domenicali could make the GP happen. it’s literally out of their jurisdiction
— emi 🏒 (@maraneIlo) May 15, 2023
As explained by Emi on Twitter, the final call on whether the conditions are good enough or not for the Imola GP rests with the Civil Defense. If they don’t see the weather improving on Thursday, they will likely extend the red weather period, and F1 can do nothing about it.
A red weather condition is classified as extremely dangerous. All businesses, offices, schools, and institutions will remain closed, with people not being allowed to leave their homes. Going outside could endanger their lives, which is why traveling is avoided at all costs. This would also include the closure of the Imola GP as drivers and team members wouldn’t be allowed to travel.
dangerous weather. it represents a risk to life, travelling must be avoided at all costs & people are being highly recommended to stay home throughout the emergency. schools & quarters are being closed, smart-working activated & there’s also a high risk of overflowing rivers
— emi 🏒 (@maraneIlo) May 15, 2023
2023 Imola GP weather forecast
Weather.com is also predicting a high disruption of all activities in the Imola region for the next six days due to rain. If the race does go ahead, teams are expected to get their full wet tyres ready, to avoid accidents out on track. All practice sessions, qualifying and the main race on Sunday, will most likely be under full wet conditions.
Friday, 19th May 2023- FP1 and FP2
Maximum Temperature: 17 Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 12 Celsius
Chances of rain: 70%
Saturday, 20th May 2023- FP3 and Qualifying
Maximum Temperature: 18 Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 14 Celsius
Chances of rain: 86%
Sunday, 21st May 2023- Race Day
Maximum Temperature: 20 Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 13 Celsius
Chances of rain: 81%
Will the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled?
F1 has still not made any official decision regarding the Imola GP cancellation. Like all the teams and drivers, they too are waiting for an update from the Civil Defense. In addition to heavy rain, there are also chances of flooding in addition to thunder and cold temperatures.
🚨 | Highest rain warning has been issued in Imola by the regional weather service ⛈️
Flood warnings have also been issued 😳 pic.twitter.com/amQNaBAZej
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 15, 2023
Even if the race does go ahead, there is a high chance of it being a heavily disrupted Grand Prix. Drivers, who will push flat out at near zero visibility could very well lose control of their out on track in those treacherous conditions.
Fans are eagerly waiting for some positive news coming out of Imola, as they don’t want such as iconic circuit to miss out on an F1 race because of the weather.
