It hasn't been an easy year for Formula 1, particularly in managing the calendar. Two stages - out of the 24 scheduled before the start of the season - had to give lump sum, albeit for different reasons. Let's talk about China and the unfortunate one Imola. Because of the strong floods that hit Emilia-Romagna, the weekend that should have taken place on the Enzo and Dino Ferrari track was - rightly, superfluous to specify - deleted. The edition will not be recovered this year and, for this reason, I'm at work in Imola to try not to miss out on this slot.
Minardi remembers the tragic moments: "We did everything we could"
To take stock of the situation is Gian Carlo Minardi, President of Formula Imola who - in an interview with RacingNews365 - retraced the hard weeks experienced in that period: "We in Imola were very lucky that the circuit did not suffer any type of damage, but unfortunately it was not the same for the other cities in the region. An example is Faenza which suffered great damage, creating a great impact on citizens. In that period we immediately tried to give them important support, with the various foundations we have and with many people who are passionate about racing. I am really very grateful to the people I worked with. We have been able to help and support many people in the region. The work isn't finished yet because there are many shops that have suffered various damages and have not yet been able to open. We hope we can continue to help them."
Imola, GP also in 2026?
With the GP cancelled, Imola hopes to be able to make up this appointment in 2026, obtaining a GP “extra", as admitted by Minardi: "We hope for the possibility of having an 'extra' Grand Prix in the future. At the moment we have a contract in place until 2025, but we would really like to organize a GP also in 2026. I see it as an opportunity to give to the region because a lot of money has been invested for the F1 weekend. Let's talk about 270 million euros a year that arrive thanks to the F1 weekend, with the race therefore gives a great boost to the region, in which the Italian Motor Valley has also established itself".
“Not just Formula 1”
Whatever happens, until 2025 Formula 1 will be the protagonist in Imola, but not only: "Next year – continued Minardi – it will be incredible and very challenging. We will have, in addition to F1, also the WEC, but not only. We are already very busy because there is really a lot of hard work to do for the races that will take place next year. We are simple enthusiasts and we try to organize everything in the best possible way and for this reason we are already working on the next appointments".
