Imola GP update: Race now secondary to local relief efforts

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This weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is in jeopardy as incessant downpour and flooding by rain-swollen rivers in the area mobilize emergency services and rescue crews normally assigned to the race and who are now dedicating themselves to relief efforts in the area.

Weather conditions remain extreme in Northern Italy where some 900 people in flooded areas have been evacuated while others fled to rooftops.

In Venice, authorities prepared to activate a mobile barrier in the lagoon in hopes of sparing the city from a rare May high-tide flooding, according to the AP.

As a precautionary measure on Tuesday, all Imola staff and F1 personnel were ordered to evacuate the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and told to stay away from the circuit until further notice which has disrupted preparations for this weekend's event.

©Twitter/AlbertFabrega

According to Spanish F1 reporter Albert Fabrega, the F1 paddock has so far been spared inundation by the rising Santero river that runs next to the track, but the water level is rising at an alarming rate in the lower F2 paddock.

Looking ahead, the prospect of tens of thousands of race fans traveling to the Emilia Romagna region with major roads and bridges now closed – not to mention waterlogged car parks at Imola – is a major logistical headache and one that may not be able to be solved even if the elements let up in the coming hours.

Read also: F1 facing potential disruption as extreme weather hits Imola

Furthermore, firefighters and emergency crews normally assigned to duty at Imola have been deployed elsewhere to carry out rescues and interventions that could last for days.

Meetings are ongoing between the National Crisis Unit and local politicians to discuss the situation in the region.

As this weekend's race is now secondary to the region's safety, the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is very much on the table.

Formula 1 and the race's promoter will likely undertake every effort to make the race happen, but local authorities will have the last word.

An update on the situation at Imola has been scheduled for this afternoon at 14:00 CET (13:00 BST).

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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.