MotoGP is a spectacular discipline, which brings joy to everyone; but sometimes it is necessary to discuss serious matters. So today we're going to look at the decision to move the last Grand Prix of the season to Barcelona, due to the floods that hit Valencia. Casually, this is one of the most important cases of recent years, so it is legitimate that we mention it in this column which was never intended to solely deal with questions relating to performance pilots.
Before starting, I would still like to point out that this is purely my opinion. Let's talk MotoGP is a unique section which aims to share an argued point of view, and which has never considered itself to be objective. You will find, on this site, a good number of articles which treat the question in the most neutral way possible;
Besides, you can find another one on the same subject by clicking here.
Ensuite, I would like to express my most sincere solidarity to the Valencian populationhit to the heart by a real climatic catastrophe.
A worthy MotoGP
The pilots, thanks to this battle, were able to pay homage to Valencia, a true land of motorcycles. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
If you followed the Malaysian Grand Prix closely, you know that many drivers were against a finale in Valencia. Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, in particular, were strongly opposed to the organization of a race among the debris, because it would have come back, after the fact, running over corpses.
I particularly appreciated the exit of Pecco, who even threatened not to race in Valencia even if it meant losing his world title.
In my opinion, not only would holding the last race of the year in Valencia have made no sense, but it would also have put me off MotoGP a lot. So, even if the biggest decision-makers in motorcycling sport first wanted to keep this Grand Prix alive, I still want to congratulate them for making a decision fairly quickly (in my opinion), while another decisive test was taking place on the other side of the world. Overall, everyone was very dignified at Sepang. The very Spanish accent of the MotoGP championship necessarily played a role in the scale of the tributes (as Aleix Espargaro explained), but it was beautiful. The image of Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia holding the flag of the Valencian Community on the podium will remain, that's for sure.
Now, shouldn't the last Grand Prix of the season have simply been canceled? The question is completely legitimate, and everyone will have their opinion. In my opinion, the idea of maintaining a final in Spain is a good choice. I will try to explain to you why.
What do we think of the final?
Firstly, because I don't really understand those who refuse to hear about a race in Spainespecially in Barcelona, but who want one elsewhere. I will simply point out that I will come back later to the floods which are currently underway in Catalonia. Here I am simply referring to the decision itself.
Firstly, because there is hardly a better place to pay a vibrant tribute to Valencia. I imagine that a large part of the funds generated by this race will be donated to the families of the victims or to other associations, and that is a good thing. MotoGP, in a weekend like this, could draw attention to the situation in Spain while achieving a very worthy Grand Prix, which must remain the key word. In my opinion, this awareness cannot be a bad thing, quite the contrary, especially since local populations have felt abandoned by their own government. I believe in a sport that unites, celebrates, entertains, and all at the same time.
After all, what more would a final in Sepang or Qatar bring? I struggle to understand those who wanted to completely exclude Spain from the debates. If the Barcelona circuit accepted, it is because the logistical aspect does not represent a problem and does not endanger anyone's life. Why want to maintain one last Grand Prix, but far away? Wouldn't this make the misfortune that is hitting Spain even more invisible? Wouldn't this be putting into the background this tragedy which must remain in all minds, which must invade us so that we realize it? In my opinion, there is no better way than to play it in Catalunya and I know that the drivers will make sure that we don't forget it.
I am sure that the tribute will be as touching as possible on such a symbolic track. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Finally, and this will be my last argument, the cultural and geographical proximity between Barcelona and Valencia. Less than 400 kilometers separate the two cities, and even fewer separate the two provinces. Historically, they are linked, sharing the colors of the monarchs of Aragon. Is there a better place to pay tribute? Is there a more dignified venue that affects so many drivers – because the majority of Spaniards in Grands Prix are Catalans? Personally, and this is just my opinion, I much prefer that the story goes in this direction rather than towards countries that are too far away. Sometimes you have to engage directly with history in the noblest of ways, to provide direct and passionate support and help, in your own way.
Barcelona also affected
The problem is that Catalonia is in turn affected by floods. At the time of writing, the Spanish meteorological agency (AEMET) remains on alert regarding the Province, particularly on the coast. What to do if Mother Nature unleashes her anger again in Catalonia within two weeks? In my opinion, it will then be necessary to cancel the Grand Prix and not force destiny. According to my previous comments which mixed consistency, ethics and history, Aragon could also do the trick but that would undoubtedly be one decision too many. Barcelona was found in the urgency of the moment, because it was necessary to act, to respond, not to be defeated. But changing plans again and again would be rather counterproductive. A final in Misano, Portimao or Qatar would have no more meaning, and would in no way help the cause.
I'm curious to know what you think about this situation, and my thoughts regarding it. So tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Now is not the time to talk to the athlete, which is why I did not mention the situation at the championship in this article. Let's give it time. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
