MotoGP Bosses Confirm “Priority” is Still to Race in Valencia

Despite the devastating floods that have swept parts of Spain, most notably the Valencia region, MotoGP officials remain hopeful of staging the 2024 season-finale at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, which is due to take place on 15-17 November.

Areas around the circuit were damaged along with many other buildings, roads and other infrastructures that have been decimated by the floods which have also resulted in 158 deaths at the time of writing.

Many people have lost their homes as a result of the flooding while the access road to the Valencia circuit has been severely damaged.

But MotoGP has confirmed its main priority is still to race in Valencia. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta told Spanish publication AS: "In principle, the original date is maintained. They are working to solve access and services. The track has not been damaged.

"Everyone is aware of the current situation in Valencia due to heavy rains and floods. Sadly, there have been more than 50 fatalities in the region [158 at time of writing] and many people are still missing. Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones.

“Fortunately, there have been no injuries among the circuit staff, but there is extensive damage to the exterior of the facilities, especially at the access to the circuit.

“We have been informed that the GP track itself appears to be in good condition, although a full assessment is still being carried out.”

FIM president Jorge Vargas told Sky Italia: "If we don't race in Valencia, that will be worse for the Valencian Community and for its economy.

But how do MotoGP riders feel?

Marc Marquez and brother Alex already admitted that MotoGP needs to take a backseat and that the government needs to address the flooding situation that has caused many people to lose their homes and cars, rather than prioritising a race.

Aleix Espargaro also voiced his concerns and said that if racing goes ahead then support will need to be shown for those who have suffered from the disaster.

“The images on social media are nothing because I talked with some friends who are living in small villages around Valencia and they tell me that everything is collapsed and destroyed,” said the Aprilia rider.

“They have no houses, cars [washed away]. Normally you see these images very far from you, but when it happens very close to your home, it's heartbreaking.”

Asked if racing can go ahead on 15 to 17 November, Espargaro said: “I don’t know. It is a very difficult situation. Hopefully Carmelo [Espargaro], Dorna with the government in Spain will take the right decision.

“It is not about the track facilities. I think they can be repaired more or less easy in two weeks, but it’s the situation with the hospitals and emergency people. That is more important than to go there and do a sport show. In any case, I hope they make the right decision.”

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