Dorna has confirmed the cancellation of the Valencia MotoGP 2024 due to a devastating and deadly flood which hit the region. The BBC reported that the calamity has claimed 202 lives, with more missing victims, at the time of writing (2145 hrs., MY time).
Pictures from the region has shown the landscape covered in thick mud, along with motor vehicles strewn everywhere, even on highways. The Spanish national weather agency said that the region saw more than 300 litres of rainfall per square metre.
In a statement released today, MotoGP organisers stated that “the championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area”.
Much of Spain has been hit by extreme weather for the past week, with the Valencia region being one of the worst hit. Some parts of the Ricardo Tormo circuit have been completely washed out, with access roads collapsing and huge amounts of damage making it difficult to see how a grand prix weekend could go ahead beginning 15 November.
The round in Malaysia this weekend will now become a springboard for the fundraising effort, as organisers try to ensure a positive impact can be made for the people and communities affected by the extreme weather.
Indeed, several MotoGP riders have expressed their wish not to race in Valencia regardless if the Ricardo Tormo track can be repaired in time. Defending World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia went as far as to say that he will boycott the event even if it costs him the championship. 9-time World Champion, Marc Marquez had also said that it is only right that the championship not be held in Valencia this year out of respect for the victims.
In the meantime, Dorna is considering another location to hold the last race of the 2024 season. Some pundits have speculated that Malaysia will indeed be the last round. Some have called for the Sepang International Circuit to hold another round, since everything is already in place, anyway.
Our hearts go out to those who were affected by the floods.
