F1 News

Minardi over continuing Monaco after disaster at Imola

Imola circuit CEO assures: 'No logistical problems for Monaco'

19 May 2023 at 17:40
Last update 19 May 2023 at 17:50

Originally, Formula 1 cars were due to race over the historic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari this Friday. As we know, a line went through the Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, after heavy rain and flooding turned the Emilia-Romagna region into a disaster zone. Initially, there were some fears as to whether the F1 teams could remove their equipment from the paddock, but all went according to plan.

Gian Carlo Minardi, the CEO of the Imola circuit, would obviously have preferred tens of thousands of fans and millions of television viewers to enjoy action on the track. After the race was finally cancelled, the focus immediately went to getting the F1 circus off as best it could.

No problems

Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Minardi explained that there was no need to fear that the teams' trucks would get stuck in Imola, jeopardising the next race in Monaco. "I can assure you that there are no problems because that part of paddock 1, has not been hit by the water. Many cars had yet to arrive and we stopped them before they arrived," said the former team boss of iconic F1 team Minardi.

Although most of the cars were not in Imola, the hospitality units and other mobile buildings that F1 always brings were there. " Of course, some of the units had to move to Monte Carlo," Minardi explained. "The few inches of water that had come in there are now gone. So people are working safely and we are doing everything we can to get the materials to Monte Carlo as soon as possible."