F1 facing potential disruption as extreme weather hits Imola

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Rain attire risks being de rigueur for F1 fans at Imola next weekend as extreme weather hovers over the Emilia Romagna region.

Earlier this month as the result of a heavy and continuous downpour, the Italian region suffered severe flooding and landslides that left two dead and hundreds displaced.

Over 250 people have evacuated their homes in affected areas, including in Faenza – the home of Scuderia AlphaTauri – in the province of Ravenna after an embankment along the Lamone River failed.

Unfortunately, another extreme weather front has rolled into Emilia Romagna just as teams are setting up shop in the paddock of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

The Imola Regional Weather Service has issued a red-level alert warning, with forecasters predicting almost 160mm of rain on Tuesday and a further 110mm on Wednesday.

The renewed concerns over the possibility of additional floods and landslides in the region have led to calls for the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but this appears as an unlikely prospect.

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According to The Race, F1 and the Imola organisers are closely monitoring conditions following Tuesday's red alert from the civil defence department.

The expectation is that conditions will improve in time for this weekend’s grand prix.

However, there are still indications that Saturday's qualifying session could experience a new bout of rainfall and a potential storm.

Whether next weekend's race will turn into a high-speed water-park adventure or go the way of the washed-out Belgian Grand Prix at Spa in 2021 is unclear.

But fans traveling to the event would be well inspired to bring their plastic ponchos and best pair of wellies, and expect the worse while hoping for the best!

Update:

All F1 personnel and staff at Imola have been asked to evacuate the circuit for the remainder of the day due to risk of flooding by the river Santero that runs next to the track. One can only that it will turn out to be but a precautionary measure.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.