MotoGP will not hold its final round of the season in Valencia from November 15-17 as planned, after series organisers Dorna announced the cancellation of the event after severe flooding hit Spain earlier this week.
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The worst flooding in more than three decades, with more than a year’s worth of rain (over 400mm) falling in eight hours on Wednesday AEDT, has seen widespread building and infrastructure damage and caused more than 150 deaths, forcing Dorna to find another venue for the 20th and last round of the season with Ducati riders Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia in a head-to-head fight for the premier-class title.
Reports from well-placed paddock sources in Malaysia, where MotoGP is holding its penultimate round this weekend, indicated a second visit for the season to one of four circuits – Catalunya or Jerez in Spain, Portimao in Portugal or Lusail in Qatar – now looks likely to complete the season at a date to be determined.
Reports from Malaysia on Friday indicated Dorna’s initial idea was to race in Valencia, but likely a week after the original date.
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Reigning world champion Bagnaia, after he’d topped both practice sessions in Sepang on Friday, said he would be “not willing to race in Valencia” even if that cost him a title, the Italian trailing Spain’s Martin by 17 points atop the standings.
“Even at the cost of losing what for me is the maximum objective, which is to win the title. I’m not willing to race in Valencia,” Bagnaia said.
“I really hope they take into consideration the fact that on an ethical level, with what’s happening, it’s not the right situation to do it, [not] the right thing.”
Two hours later, just before midnight AEDT, Dorna issued a statement confirming the event’s cancellation.
“MotoGP stands with the Community of Valencia following the devastating floods that have affected the area,” the statement said.
“Our hearts are with all those who have been lost and those who have lost so much.
“We have been in constant contact with the local authorities and the circuit to best assess how we can help and how we should proceed. We have a responsibility to every region where we race that goes far beyond the sport and the events.
“After carefully weighing up the potential positive impact of MotoGP racing in Valencia on delayed dates versus ensuring no single resource is diverted from the recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP, the championship and local authorities have been obliged to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.
“Any further information regarding the season finale will be confirmed as soon as possible.”
A return to Qatar, where MotoGP began its season in March, from November 22-24 would have to be squeezed in before Formula One races at the same venue the following weekend (November 29 to December 1) for the second-last round of its season.
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