While the MotoGP paddock is in Malaysia for the penultimate Grand Prix of the season, all eyes are on Valencia, set to host the championship grand finale (November 17). The region is affected by such floods that maintaining the GP would seem, according to the drivers, totally disconnected from reality. For the international federation, not racing in Spain would be even “worse”.
Gathered in Sepang, Malaysia, for the penultimate Grand Prix of the season, the MotoGP paddock has its head elsewhere. In Spain, and more particularly in Valencia where dramatic floods have disrupted the daily lives of many residents. The final stage of the championship is scheduled to take place on November 17 at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, located 20km west of Valencia.. In view of the situation on site, maintaining a Grand Prix seems illusory.
“Above all, it is important to think about what is happening in Spain, in Valencia,” declared Francesco Bagnaia at the opening of the press conference at the start of the weekend in Sepang. “They are living a nightmare and we must be very close to them. […] We went through a situation close to this last year in Italy and we know perfectly well what is happening. I convey my wishes and my hope to see conditions improve. I hope the situation will improve.”
The Italian battles with Jorge Martin for the title at the end of the season. If the Valencian Grand Prix were to be canceled, it would have serious consequences for the end of the season. But the drivers, despite the high sporting stakes, are aware of the dramatic situation in Spain.
The question of economic support
“Honestly, racing there is like having a party, it’s a moment in which you have fun and, knowing the current situation, it wouldn’t be right,” added Bagnaia, who is 17 points behind on Martin in the championship We have always been very respectful of what is happening in the world, we all live under the same sky, so it could be bad to race there If it was my choice, I would prefer not to. run there but I'm not the decision-maker.” The Catalan Marc Marquez, moved by the events, is moving in this direction. “From an ethical point of view, I do not believe that the Valencia Grand Prix should take place, that would be a mistake.”
For its part, the International Motorcycling Federation is pushing for maintaining the Spanish stage. “If we don't do it in Valencia, it's worse for the entire Valencian community,” declared its president Jorge Viegas. “We are working on a solution that pleases everyone and that is fair, that honor to everything that happened. It is inevitable, we must stand in solidarity with people. If we don't do it in Valencia, it's worse, the economy will suffer.” The Formula E pre-season tests, which were due to take place from November 5-8 at the Valencia circuit, have been moved to Madrid.
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