Meteorologist sends message to F1 bosses with Imola GP beneath risk | F1 | Sport

Meteorologist and former F1 forecaster Michele Salmi has raised fears over the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix going forward this weekend because of the catastrophic flooding within the space. F1 personnel have been advised to avoid the circuit for the second day in a row as discussions are going down concerning the potential of postponement.

After heavy rainfall led to the danger of floods and landslides, employees current at Imola on Tuesday had been requested to depart as a precautionary measure. Now, as drivers and supporters put together to descend on northern Italy, discussions are underway over the potential of suspending the occasion till later within the season.

Related stakeholders will need the GP to go forward if attainable because it may very well be a logistical nightmare to rearrange amid a packed F1 schedule, although it could be obligatory as Salmi expressed considerations. He particularly talked about the Santerno river which runs subsequent to the circuit and may very well be a serious impediment to beat if a race was to go forward.

Salmi tweeted: “The Santerno river runs subsequent to the Pit Lane of the @‌autodromoimola and @‌ArpaER has a sensor proper on the entrance of the Autodromo. The river has already reached the 2nd alert stage (orange, max. is 3) and this flood already seems to be a lot worse in comparison with the one from two weeks in the past.

“The issue is what’s coming subsequent. Fashions agree on 50-100 mm through the subsequent 24h within the #Imola area, however with peaks > 100 mm within the Apennines, the place the Santerno river comes from. A flood exceeding stage Three is in sight, with decrease areas of the @‌autodromoimola in danger as properly.”

Excessive-level discussions are reportedly underway to find out whether or not the GP can go forward, as Salmi’s warnings will possible be taken into account. Whereas the climate is forecasted to enhance forward of Sunday’s race, native authorities may very well be criticised if emergency companies are required on the occasion versus elsewhere within the area.