It has been reported that Dorna will reconsider its original plans to race in Valencia for the 2024 MotoGP season finale, as the promoter will look at alternative racetracks.
Discussions are taking place at Sepang on the Friday of the Malaysian Grand Prix to formulate a conclusion for the 2024 championship.
Dorna and the FIM are set to perform a U-turn on its initial idea of still planning to host the season finale at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Reportedly, at least 158 people are known to have died, and over 1,000 troops have been deployed to assist with the rescue operation.
Francesco Bagnaia stated earlier in the day that he wouldn’t be “prepared to race in Valencia” after the deadly floods had a devastating impact on the Valencia region.
The double-reigning champion stated: “It depends on where it is held, because I don’t think it is fair in any case for it to be held in Valencia,” he told the Italian media after the second practice session.
“I sincerely hope that they will take into consideration the fact that, on an ethical level and given what is happening, it is not the right thing to do.
“Even at the cost of losing my ultimate goal, which is to win the title, I am not prepared to race in Valencia.”
Autosport reports that MotoGP is looking at four alternative tracks as a requisite replacement: Qatar, Jerez, Barcelona, and Portimao are all in consideration.
Qatar has a scheduled slot with Formula 1 from 29th November to 1st December, meaning a European host is more likely the week before, from 24th to 26th November, one week after the original season finale slot.
MotoGP’s current title battle between Jorge Martin and Bagnaia could go to the season’s final race as the Spaniard holds a 17-point advantage at the top of the standings.
MotoGP released the statement below:
“MotoGP stands with the Community of Valencia following the devastating floods that have affected the area. Our hearts are with all those who have been lost and those who have lost so much.
“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.
“Any further information regarding the season finale will be confirmed as soon as possible.”
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