Let's talk MotoGP: It is necessary to discuss this subject, and right away

MotoGP is a spectacular discipline that brings joy to everyone; but sometimes it is necessary to discuss serious issues. Today, we will therefore look at the decision to move the last Grand Prix of the season to Barcelona, ​​due to the floods that hit Valencia. It may seem like one of the most important cases of recent years, so it is legitimate to mention it in this column, which was never intended to deal solely with issues related to rider performance.

Before I begin, I would like to clarify that this is just my opinion. Let's talk MotoGP is a unique column that aims to share an argued point of view, and has never considered itself objective.. You will find, on this site, a good number of articles which deal with the question in the most neutral way possible; By the way, you can find another one on the same subject by clicking here.

Then, I would like to express my most sincere solidarity with the Valencian people., hit to the heart by a real climate catastrophe.

 

A worthy MotoGP

 

 

If you followed the Malaysian Grand Prix closely, you will know that many drivers were against a final in Valencia. Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, in particular, were strongly opposed to organizing a race in the middle of the debris, because it would have come back, after the fact, running over corpses. I particularly appreciated Pecco's exit, 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 have also put me off the sport quite a bit. MotoGP. So, even if the biggest decision-makers in motorcycling sport wanted to keep this Grand Prix alive at first, I would still like to congratulate them for making a decision quite quickly. (in my opinion), while another decisive event was taking place on the other side of the world. Overall, everyone was very dignified in Sepang. The very Spanish accent of the MotoGP championship must have played a part in the scale of the tributes (as Aleix Espargaro pointed out), 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 cancelled? The question is entirely legitimate, and everyone will have their own opinion. In my opinion, the idea of ​​holding the final in Spain is a good choice.. I will try to explain to you why.

 

What do you think about the holding of the final?

 

First, because I don't really understand those who refuse to hear about a race in Spain., especially in Barcelona, ​​but who want one elsewhere. I will simply point out that I will return later to the floods that are currently taking place in Catalonia. Here, I am simply referring to the decision itself.

First, because there is hardly a better place to pay vibrant homage 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, on a weekend like this, could draw attention to the situation in Spain while holding a dignified Grand Prix, which must remain the key word. In my opinion, this awareness cannot be a bad thing, quite the contrary, especially since the local populations felt abandoned by their own government. I believe in a sport that unites, that celebrates, that entertains, and all at once..

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 a last Grand Prix, but far away? Wouldn't that make the misfortune that is hitting Spain even more invisible? Wouldn't that be putting this tragedy that must remain in everyone's minds, that must invade us so that we become aware of it, into the background? In my opinion, there is no better way than to play it at Catalunya and I know that the drivers will make sure that we don't forget it.

 

 

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 less separate the two provinces. Historically, they are linked, sharing the colours of the monarchs of Aragon. Is there a better place to pay tribute? Is there a more dignified venue that touches so many drivers – because the majority of Spaniards in Grand Prix are Catalans? Personally, and this is just my opinion, I much prefer that history goes in this direction rather than to countries too far away. Sometimes you have to confront history directly in the noblest of ways, to give direct and passionate support, and help, in your own way.

 

Barcelona also affected

 

The problem is that Catalonia is also affected by floods.. As these lines are being written, the Spanish meteorological agency (AEMET) remains on alert regarding the Province, particularly on the coast. What should we do if Mother Nature unleashes her wrath again in Catalonia in two weeks? In my opinion, the Grand Prix should then be cancelled and destiny not be forced.. According to my previous comments that mixed coherence, ethics and history, Aragon could also do the trick but it would probably be one decision too many. Barcelona was found in the urgency of the moment, because it was necessary to act, respond, not to let oneself be defeated. But changing plans again and again would be rather counterproductive. A final in Misano, Portimao or Qatar would not make any more sense, and would not serve the cause in any way.

I'm curious to know what you think about this situation, and my thoughts on 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.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport