Formula 1: F1 paddock is all set to move to Italy for the 6th round of the 2023 world championship scheduled between 19th-21st May. Ahead of the weekend, the Imola GP is surrounded by the thrill and excitement of millions of fans as it kick-starts the European leg of the championship. It is the first of the European triple-header followed by Monaco and Spanish GP. However, recent weather updates have come as a big threat to an often smooth race. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Imola GP is crucial to this season for multitudes of reasons. Mercedes are bringing in monumental upgrades, changing almost 80 percent of their current W-14 machinery. Moreover, being the home race, Ferrari would be looking to pip other rivals to the finish line. Not just that, the 63-lap race will also be a vital event in the title battle between Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen. Currently, defending champion Verstappen is sitting at the top of the tally with 118 points to his name so far.
For Perez to have a go at him, he will have to come home to see the chequered flag ahead of everyone else. Slimming the existing 14-point lead would be quintessential for the Mexican driver. Moreover, the high traction corners like Acque Minerali are expected to suit him better considering his driving style and skill set. However, it might all be in jeopardy as wild weather threatens havoc during the race weekend.
Threat of Flood and storm hanging over the Imola GP
As per the latest reports. The Italian region is grappling with torrential rain and flood warnings recently. Many rivers have flooded as a result of the unprecedented amount of the rain in the region. Media reports have come out with disturbing news of two old-age casualties owing to the wild weather. Imola is situated closely near river Santerno in the city of Bologna. The commune is currently experiencing low temperatures and a high downpour and it is only expected to increase over time.
It is not the first time Imola GP is experiencing a rain threat. In the most recent examples, the last two races at this venue were both conducted under wet weather conditions. On both occasions, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took the maximum points out it. However, this time, with landslides and floods in question, it’s many notches higher in terms of the hazardous threat. Many experts are worried that if the situation sustains the race might even get cancelled.
Moreover, as it stands, the predictions are not just limited to the main race. Saturday’s qualifying session is expected to hit with fresh rain and storm as well, jeopardizing the event.
Also Read – Imola GP: Charles Leclerc upbeat despite lacklustre start to F1 season, says ‘I want to win in Red’
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