Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled due to bad weather

Formula 1 has confirmed this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled due to the disruption caused by persistent heavy rain in northern Italy.

It comes after Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, led calls for the race to be postponed and for focus to shift to the rescue efforts as the death toll rises in the region.

Heavy rain and floods have impacted the area since Tuesday, with F1 personnel being advised not to travel to the track today.

Options will be looked at for a potential replacement date for the race, although it will likely be tough given he packed schedule for the rest of the year.

In a statement F1 said: "The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region. We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need."

"Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter the decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola.

"The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region. It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time."