MotoGP cancels Valencia season finale after horrific flooding in the Spanish region

By Balazs Szabo on 01 Nov 2024, 14:58

MotoGP has announced that it has cancelled the season finale that was due to take place in Valencia – scheduled 15-17 November weekend – after the devastating flash flooding in the Spanish region that has claimed the life of at least 155 people in the Spanish city and its surrounding areas.

The MotoGP paddock is currently set up in Malaysia which hosts the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP championship. Despite initial considerations to stage the Valencia round despite the heavy flooding, MotoGP has now confirmed that the Spanish race that usually brings the season to a close will not go ahead.

It is understood that MotoGP’s Commercial Rights’ Holder, Dorna is looking for an alternative venue to host the season-closing race, and it is likely that it will take place at least a week later than the original date.

MotoGP noted: “We have been in constant contact with the local authorities and the circuit to best assess how we can help and how we should proceed. We have a responsibility to every region where we race that goes far beyond the sport and the events.

“After carefully weighing up the potential positive impact of MotoGP racing in Valencia on delayed dates versus ensuring no single resource is diverted from the recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP, the championship and local authorities have been obliged to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.

“In lieu of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will instead race for Valencia. 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 in the way it best serves the people and communities we have been part of for so long.

“Our efforts will begin during the Malaysian GP and continue at the final round of 2024, with a new venue and dates to be announced as soon as confirmed.

“Fans around the world, our athletes, and paddock deserve a sporting finale to the 2024 season, and one that can make a key contribution to supporting the communities we race in.”