Flash flood in Valencia endangers MotoGP final

Cycle News Staff | October 30, 2024

The Spanish region of Valencia has been hit by severe storms and flash floods, causing significant damage to the region and, most tragically, an as yet unknown number of deaths and injuries. The final race of the 2024 MotoGP season, scheduled to take place at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia from November 15th to 17th, could be in jeopardy.

MotoGP issued the following statement Today, October 30th, on social media:

Storms and flash floods hit southeastern Spain on Tuesday. According to the Spanish weather service, more than a year's worth of rain fell in just a few hours. Local towns, including Chiva and Cheste near the circuit, have been inundated with water and tragically at least 51 people have been killed so far by the extreme weather conditions, with more still missing.

Nicolas Collado, General Manager of the Ricardo Tormo Circuitposted the following:

“The most important thing is that all the people who were at the circuit were fine and everyone was able to spend the night safely in the circuit facilities,” said Nicolás Collado, general manager of the circuit. “A damage assessment process will now begin that will inform us to what extent this DANA will impact the delivery of our next full guarantee events.”

Ricardo Tormo Circuit has posted the following on its website:

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit has begun assessing the numerous damages caused as a result of the DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), which devastated the interior of the province of Valencia on Tuesday, October 29th

Although the track is in optimal condition following an initial inspection, a large part of the access and parking infrastructure is seriously damaged and requires urgent repairs in view of the Motul Grand Prix of the Valencian Community, the final round of the Motorcycle World Championship on 15. , November 16th and 17th.

More than 200 liters per square meter in less than twelve hours and, above all, the flow of water, mud and other elements from the Sechera Gorge and the Poyo Gorge next to the circuit were the cause of the damage to the parking lots and the main access to the Facilities in Cheste.

Almost 100 people had to stay overnight at various locations in the facilities in Cheste. The gym, offices and other locations away from the electricity served as temporary accommodation for operators assembling the claws and stands, parts of the Formula E logistics team, as well as maintenance, security and office staff at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

Formula E's pre-season test was due to take place next week at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, ahead of the MotoGP season finale.

A statement from Formula E explained the following:

Our thoughts are with the people affected by the extreme weather conditions in Spain. Given the situation that has developed overnight in Valencia, we are working closely with local authorities and representatives from the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia ahead of the planned official FIA Formula E test next week.

Due to damage to the main access road caused by a nearby river bank, the circuit is currently inaccessible to vehicles. Four Formula E employees remained at the circuit last night as a precaution but are safe and can get to and from the track on foot. The track condition shows no signs of damage and we continue to check workshops and freight. Alternative access routes inside and outside the racetrack are currently being investigated. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates in due course.

Stay tuned Cycle News for more updates as we receive them.

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