FIA Formula E has pledged to donate at least €50,000 to organisations helping people affected by the floods in Valencia, the place it calls its “home”.
The championship was due to stage its annual autumn pre-season testing programme at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on the outskirts of the city, but was forced to an 11th-hour move to Jarama after the floods wrecked havoc across the region in which the circuit was central.
Formula E has a longstanding relationship with the circuit, and is still in the process of upheaving itself into Valencia as its permanent technical and logistics hub.
A statement by Formula E read: “Formula E’s support will focus on two key areas: delivering urgent assistance to meet immediate needs and supporting sustainable recovery efforts that promote resilience and future preparedness in the region.
“In addition to the initial €50,000 of support, a GoFundMe page has also been opened by the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for fans, partners, teams, and staff to contribute to collectively amplifying and strengthening its impact so Valencia can recover faster and emerge stronger.
“Beyond financial assistance, Formula E is committed to mobilising hands-on support through volunteer initiatives – working closely with local leaders, the Formula E community will contribute through volunteer support, respecting the community’s needs and perspectives, while increasing awareness of the ongoing avenues for help.”Formula E is dedicated to supporting Valencia beyond the immediate crisis, with a sustained presence aimed at strengthening the area’s resilience. This initiative underscores Formula E’s unwavering commitment to the communities of Valencia, which it considers home.”
For Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo, the events of the past week and the effort made by Formula E is all too personal.
“As my birthplace, Valencia has always been a very special place for me and my heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected in the region,” he said. “From the pictures alone parts of Valencia look completely devastated, so I can only begin to imagine what the reality must be like for those living and working there. We feel it’s only right to support as many people as possible who are impacted both in the short and long term, given their support for us since 2017.
“Together as a Formula E community, we want to show our support and solidarity in any way we can.”
A link to the GoFundMe page can be found here.
