Deadly Floods Hit Spain Ahead of MotoGP Valencia Finale
With just over two weeks before the MotoGP season-finale where Jorge Martin or Francesco Bagnaia will be world champion, Valencia has been hit with deadly floods
It’s unclear whether the MotoGP season finale is under threat at this stage, but floods in Valencia have resulted in several fatalities.
The 2024 MotoGP is set to end in Valencia on 15-17 November although flooding in the region has led to a total of 52 people tragically losing their lives.
Jorge Martin, who leads the championship by 17 points from two-time reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, looks to be the favourite to secure his first world championship in the premier class.
That said, Bagnaia is heading into the final two races off the back of victory in Thailand and the Italian has won at Sepang, Malaysia - this weekend’s venue - and was victorious in Valencia last season.
However, attention has been diverted away from the MotoGP season finale as the floods took hold. Reported to be caused by a cold front moving across southeastern Spain, heavy rainfall has flooded roads and towns, prompting authorities in the worst-hit areas to advise citizens to stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel.
Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of a town in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE: "Yesterday was the worst day of my life. We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres.”
As reported by Sky News, houses and buildings have also been severely damaged by the floods.
British tourist Vitalij Farafonov told Sky News: "It was mayhem as we counted nine or 10 overturned lorries on a half mile stretch of the motorway. We've never seen anything like it."
It’s believed that damage was caused by over 200 litres per square metre of rainwater in less than half a day, combined with water flow, mud, debris from the nearby ravines, and parts of the Ricardo Tormo circuit itself.
Around 100 people, including grandstand assembly operators, the Formula E logistics team (Formula E was scheduled to test in Valencia), maintenance, security and office workers were all forced to camp overnight in various safe places on the site, including the gym and office.
A statement from Formula E said: "Our thoughts go out to those affected by the extreme weather conditions in Spain. We are working closely with the local authorities and representatives of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia ahead of the scheduled FIA Formula E official test next week.
"Due to damage to the main access road caused by a burst river bank nearby, the circuit is currently inaccessible by vehicle. Four members of Formula E staff stayed at the circuit last night as a precaution, but are safe and able to transfer to and from the circuit by foot. Track conditions show no signs of damage, and we continue to assess garages and freight. Alternative access routes in and out of the circuit are currently being investigated.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates in due course."
A statement from MotoGP also read: "The entire MotoGP community wants to send our support to all those affected by the flooding in Valencia. Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones.
"We're thinking of you all and everyone assisting in the recovery process. MotoGP is in contact with the circuit and local authorities to offer our support and assistance as we work together to recover as soon as possible."
Everyone at Visordown sends our condolences to the families affected.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
