Competing in the Valencia Grand Prix (November 17) while the region is hit by the disaster would be “unethical”, said several drivers at Sepang. They ask that resources be put into assisting those affected by this tragedy, and not into repairing the road leading to the circuit.
As a reminder, the provisional toll from storm DANA is more than 150 dead, dozens missing and equally disastrous material damage. Here is a compilation of statements on the subject at Sepang.
Francesco Bagnaia: “It is important to think about these people who are living their worst nightmare and we must be close to them. I know it is impossible to do something for them, but in Italy we also experienced a similar situation and I hope it will improve soon. The problem is that racing in Valencia… The most important thing is the ethical aspect. The race is a party and in this situation it would not be right to organize it. I am always very respectful of what is happening in the world, because deep down we all live under the same sky. I would prefer not to race in Valencia, but it's not up to me to decide. »
Pedro Acosta: “Today the Valencia Grand Prix is the least important thing for us, because I think we all saw the same images. It's a disaster. It's serious, we no longer have to worry about MotoGP in relation to what is happening there and what is expected. Much strength for businesses, for families, for all those who are suffering. At first, when I saw the images of the circuit, okay, the road was broken. But then I saw the other images in the cities and it's a disaster. So the Grand Prix is the least important thing. »
Joan Mir: “I am shocked by what happened. Everything collapsed in just a few hours, it's terrible. All my support to all the families affected, to all the families of those we have lost and those missing. This is truly a very, very alarming situation. I just hope that right now, every Grand Prix, sporting event, will be put on hold. For now, the important thing is to be with these people, send them all our support and try to help them in any way possible. »
Alex Rins : “This is devastating news. The opinion I can give, which is my own, is that it would be ugly if they focused on fixing the road that leads to the circuit, and didn't focus more on the families and homes. I think we need to see the human side of things and focus more on families than on repairing the circuit road, but I don't know what will be done. »
Maverick Viñales: “Few comments to make on Sepang. The heart is in Valencia, with destroyed families, people without shelter. And I think the highest priority is to help all the people who suffered from this disaster, and it touches us because in the paddock there are many people who come from Valencia. Valencia has always been very linked to us since we were little, because we have held almost all the championships there and it all seems very close. This is a very difficult time and the first thing I think is that I wish I was at home protecting my family. That's how I feel. »
Marc Marquez : “Spain, especially Valencia, was very affected. As a Spaniard it is very difficult to see this kind of image and theoretically we have a Grand Prix there, but now I think that all the means of the Spanish government must be deployed for the people who lost their house. We have lost a lot of lives, already around a hundred, according to what I read last night, so we must understand the situation, but all means must be put in place for these people. I see the damage to the Valencia circuit, but it's not possible to start repairing these things while there are many people without homes, so let's see what they will do. »
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