Imola President Gian Carlo Minardi has revealed hope for an "extra" F1 race to be added to the circuit's existing contract after the cancellation of this season's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Intense rainfall led to floods and landslides in the Italian region during the week of the scheduled event, leading to the cancellation being called before the weekend got underway. The existing deal will see two more races held at Imola in 2024 and 2025, with anything past that date unknown. Addressing the flooding, Minardi told RacingNews365 : "We ourselves were very lucky that the circuit did not suffer any damage, but the same is not true for the rest of the region. "For example, in Faenza, they suffered a lot of damage at the time and this had a great impact on the local population. "We immediately tried to give a lot of support during that period, with different foundations that we have, with people who are passionate racers. The people we worked with I am still very grateful. "Together we have been able to help and support many people in the region. This is still needed because there are many businesses that have suffered so much damage that they have not even opened. "Slowly, therefore, it is only gradually becoming clear what the real damage is for the people and the region and it is very great." "We hope that we can help the people in the region."
Big boost
"We therefore also hope for an 'extra' Grand Prix in the future," added Minardi, the founder of the team that bore his own name. "For now we have a contract until 2025, but we would very much like to organise the GP also in 2026. That way we would be able to give something back to the region together because it keeps a lot of money from an F1 race. "For the region, we are talking about an annual €270 million that comes in thanks to the F1 race, so thus the race gives a big boost to the region, in which the Italian Motor Valley has also established itself. "Next year is going to be an incredibly busy year for us, because, for example, the WEC [World Endurance Championship]will also race at our circuit. "It will be so busy that we are already working very hard for the races that will take place at the circuit next year. "We are passionate and organise everything as perfectly as possible, and for this very reason we are already preparing for the next big events."
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