The upcoming Valencia MotoGP season finale is shrouded in uncertainty following devastating floods that have struck the region.
As the MotoGP community prepares for the concluding race of the 2024 season, scheduled for November 15-17 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, the catastrophic impact of recent weather events has raised serious questions about the viability of holding the event.
Torrential rains have led to widespread destruction, claiming lives and causing significant infrastructural damage, thus putting the future of the prestigious Valencia MotoGP season finale in jeopardy.
In late October, Valencia experienced an unprecedented deluge, with rainfall exceeding 343 millimeters (approximately 13.5 inches) in just four hours.
The extreme weather event has resulted in at least 70 confirmed fatalities and left many more missing. Local towns such as Chiva and Cheste have been severely affected, with streets transformed into rivers and homes inundated.
The situation has prompted a massive emergency response, including the deployment of over 1,000 troops to assist with rescue operations and recovery efforts. The mayor of Utiel described the day of flooding as “the worst day of my life,” highlighting the desperation faced by residents as they battled rising waters that reached alarming heights.
The Circuit Ricardo Tormo which is set to host the Valencia MotoGP season finale has not been spared from this disaster. While officials have reported that the track itself remains structurally sound, substantial damage has occurred to access roads and parking facilities surrounding the circuit.
The circuit’s management has stated that urgent repairs are needed to restore functionality to these vital areas. Consequently, a comprehensive damage assessment is underway to determine how these conditions will affect the planned race weekend.
“The most important thing is that all the people who were at the Circuit are fine, they have all been able to spend the night safely in the facilities of the Circuit,” General director of Circuit Ricardo Tormo Nicolas Collado said.
“Now begins a damage assessment process that will tell us to what extent this DANA will affect the celebration of the Grand Prix, all previous activities are cancelled for the moment to try to reach the celebration of the Grand Prix with full guarantees as the only objective.”
This comes amid reports that almost 100 people spent the night at the track’s gym and offices as a shelter. These people worked in various roles, such as operators, security and office staff, and part of the Formula E logistics team and maintenance, who had headed to the circuit earlier due to a test at the circuit on Monday.
As MotoGP organizers assess the situation, they have expressed their condolences to those affected by the floods and emphasized their commitment to supporting local communities during this crisis.
The organization has indicated that while preparations for the race continue, it would be inappropriate to prioritize sporting events over humanitarian concerns. They have also acknowledged that any decision regarding the race must consider both safety and respect for those impacted by this tragedy.
“Everyone is aware of the current situation in Valencia caused by the heavy rains and flooding,” a MotoGP statement via Motorsport.com reads. “There have sadly been over 50 fatalities in the region and many people are still missing.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones. Fortunately there have not been any injuries within the circuit staff but there is extensive damage to the exterior of the facility, specially to the circuit’s access.
“We’ve been informed that the Grand Prix track itself seems to be in good condition although a full evaluation is still ongoing. As you will all understand, it would be both insensitive and irresponsible to talk about the Valencia MotoGP season finale at the current time.
“The focus must continue to be on helping those affected and the circuit is currently being used as a relief centre. As MotoGP we must try to help in anyway possible.
“Nevertheless, both the local authorities and MotoGP remain committed to holding the event on the scheduled date and will work relentlessly to do so.
“We will follow up with more information when it’s available and will communicate as soon as possible if there are changes to the set-up of the event.”
