It has been confirmed by Formula 1 that next weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix is “not at risk” of being cancelled, following wildfires in Montreal.
Wildfires in Montreal have caused significant smog over parts of Canada and the United States, with several cities having seen their skies turn orange.
Air quality has become a huge issue for some areas, which led to suggestions that the Canadian GP could become the second race this season to be cancelled due to weather conditions.
However, the sport has since confirmed that the Grand Prix will absolutely take place next weekend as planned, with the wildfires being “800km from the circuit”.
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“The event is not at risk,” a spokesman for Formula 1 was quoted as saying by various international sources, as reported by Grandpx.news.
“We have been assured that the situation in Montreal is different to other parts of the country and northern US.
“Risks remain low and Montreal’s air quality is assessed as good.
“At no time was there any requirement for residents to stay indoors or restrict their movements outdoors.
“These fires are 800km from the circuit and do not pose any risk on their own, but the winds have carried the smoke to other parts of the region.”
Some feared that the popular race would be cancelled like May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as a result of adverse weather conditions.
The Emilia Romagna GP was cancelled following several weeks of torrential rain, which resulted in widespread flooding and landslides.
With lives having been lost in the floods, it simply wasn’t safe nor appropriate for a race to be held.
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Ferrari and Formula 1 both donated €1 million to support the flood victims, whilst F1’s hospitality also donated all the food that would’ve been used to local food banks.
The cancellation of the Emilia Romagna GP saw what was supposed to be a European triple-header become a double-header, as the series then travelled to Monaco and Spain.
With the Canadian GP having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many will be relieved that the sport’s bosses have confirmed that next weekend will go ahead as planned.