This has been in the pipeline for a while now, as the situation was becoming untenable. Given the extent of the damage currently affecting the Valencia region in Spain, DORNA and the FIM have just announced the cancellation of the Valencian Community Grand Prix, initially scheduled for two weeks. The floods have already caused the death of around 160 people at the time of writing: holding a festive event like the final of the MotoGP world championship would have made no sense from an ethical point of view.
Several drivers had highlighted this, like Marc Marquez yesterday,
and Pecco Bagnaia today. For them, racing in Valencia even if it were possible after repairs to the infrastructure of the Ricardo Tormo circuit would have made no sense, out of respect for the Spanish people. The situation is getting worse as the hours pass, and the situation in the eastern region of the country is extremely sad, so much so that the government declared three days of national mourning.
Even if MotoGP passes after this tragedy, we will have to decide on the 2024 world champion and that is the whole puzzle. The authorities have announced that they do not want to transform this Malaysian Grand Prix into the final of the championship, and are actively seeking an alternative solution. All that remains is to juggle the different calendars to find a free circuit in just two weeks, which would always remain the objective.
Here is the official press release published on this occasion:
« MotoGP™ stands with the Valencian Community following the devastating floods that hit the region. 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 each region we race in that goes well beyond the sport and the events.
Having carefully assessed the potential positive impact of a MotoGP™ race in Valencia on delayed dates against ensuring that no resources are diverted from recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP™, the championship and local authorities were forced to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.
Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP™ will instead race for Valencia. The championship will leverage our collective efforts to support the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect to the region in the most useful way for the people and communities we have been a part of for so long.
Our efforts will begin during the Malaysian GP and continue through the final round of 2024, with a new venue and dates to be announced as soon as confirmed. Fans around the world, our athletes and the paddock deserve a sporting finale for the 2024 season, and one that can make a key contribution to supporting the communities in which we race.
Any further information regarding the season finale will be confirmed as soon as possible. »
In any case, the entire Paddock-GP editorial team supports the pain of the families affected by this national tragedy.
What do you think of this momentous decision?
Tell us in the comments!
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
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