It had been in the pipeline for a while now, because 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 Grand Prix of the Valencian Community, 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 MotoGP World Championship finale would have made no ethical sense.
Several drivers had underlined it, like Marc Marquez yesterday, and Pecco Bagnaia today. For them, racing in Valencia even if it was 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 by the hour, and the situation in the eastern region of the country is extremely sad, so much so that the government has declared three days of national mourning.
Even though MotoGP goes on after this tragedy, We will have to decide who will be 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 a championship finale, and are actively looking for a replacement 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.
2024 #ValenciaGP will not go ahead, replacement to be confirmedhttps://t.co/HjIvxEt6ad
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 1, 2024
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 local authorities and the circuit to assess how best we can help and how we should proceed. We have a responsibility to each region where we race that goes far beyond the sport and the events.
Having carefully assessed the potential positive impact of a MotoGP™ race in Valencia on a delayed date against ensuring that no resources are diverted from recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP™, The championship and local authorities have been forced to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.
Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP™ will race for Valencia insteadThe championship will put our collective efforts to supporting relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect to the region in the most meaningful way for the people and communities we have been a part of for so long.
Our efforts will start during the Malaysian GP and continue in the final round of 2024, with a new venue and dates to be announced as soon as they are confirmed. Fans around the world, our athletes and the paddock deserve a sporting finale to 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 shares the grief 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
