Formula E complete the impossible after deadly flash floods
Formula E has received significant praise throughout the paddock for its successful last-minute switch to Madrid for pre-season testing, following the horrific flooding in Valencia.
It was confirmed last Thursday that testing would not take place in the Spanish city as a result of the natural disaster, which has killed over 200 people, with several still missing.
In an effort which cannot be under-appreciated, the all-electric series managed to move testing to just north of the Spanish capital at the Circuito de Jarama , a venue which last hosted F1 in 1981.
The cancellation of testing in Valencia created a logistical nightmare which FE dealt with heroically, to ensure that all 11 teams can complete much-needed running ahead of the season-opener on December 7.
Several drivers, speaking to RacingNews365, sang the praises of the world championship for how it reacted and dealt with a situation nobody could have foreseen.
“Formula E have done and all the teams have done a stunning job in getting this test up and running,” said McLaren’s Sam Bird.
“Of course, what’s also lovely is that Formula E continues to try and help support Valencia. What we’ve seen there is shocking and devastating, and thoughts and prayers go out to everybody that’s been affected there.
“But for Formula E to be able to turn this around and get this here and do it in a good spirit, with Valencia in mind, is great.”
Whilst the test has been moved to Madrid, Valencia remains in the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the FE paddock.
A minute’s silence was held on the grid ahead of the first testing session getting underway, which included the drivers, teams, FE personnel and world media.
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Greatest achievement?
FE is a category which many are often quick to criticise, sometimes rightly, sometimes not. On this occasion, not enough praise can be given.
Moving everything from Valencia to Madrid in just under 72 hours and getting testing underway on-time, is perhaps the categories’ biggest-ever achievement.
To get the necessary equipment to Madrid, RacingNews365 has learnt that a total of 37 trips between 12 lorries was completed between Valencia and the Spanish capital.
“It’s kind of hard to comprehend how impressive it has been from FE and the FIA, all the teams as well,” said Jaguar’s Mitch Evans.
“Literally, Thursday to Friday [last week], things were starting to be confirmed, to be changed, and here we are today, Tuesday, and everything set up.
“So considering the circumstances and Valencia, to get some things out of there as well. First of all, they’ve been heavily affected there, so it’s really sad not to be there, and sad just for the local community.”
Despite having to frantically move locations and a significant amount of freight not just for the test but also for the opening rounds, FE has ensured that Valencia’s recovery remains a priority.
“Unbelievable,” said Evans’ team-mate, Nick Cassidy. “Obviously, a huge amount of preparation goes into these events to be able to make it happen.
“So to be able to move that round and change it last-minute is seriously impressive. Very considerate as well, considering everything that’s happening in Valencia.
“Formula E from, as far as I know, are being very supportive [to Valencia], not wanting to disrupt anything in terms of recovery or anything like that, that gets in the way of people’s everyday lives.”
