Cycle News Staff | October 30, 2024
Spain’s Valencia region suffered severe storms and flash flooding that has caused extensive damage to the region and, most tragically, a still unknown number of deaths and injuries. The final round of the 2024 MotoGP season, scheduled for November 15-17, at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, could be in jeopardy.
Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, photo on October 30, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. MotoGP issued the following statement earlier today, October 30, on social media:
Storms and flash flooding hit the south east of Spain on Tuesday, with over a year’s worth of rain falling in only hours according to the Spanish Weather Service. Local towns, including both Chiva and Cheste near the circuit, have been inundated with water and, tragically, at least 51 people have so far been confirmed as dead in the extreme weather conditions, with more still missing.
Nicolas Collado, general manager of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, posted the following:
“The most important thing is that all the people who were at the Circuit are fine, everyone has been able to spend the night safely at the Circuit facilities,” said Nicolás Collado, general manager of the Circuit. “Now a damage assessment process begins that will tell us to what extent this DANA will affect the holding of our next events with full guarantees.”
Ricardo Tormo Circuit posted the following on their website:
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit has begun work to assess the multiple damages suffered as a result of the DANA [Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos] that devastated the interior of the province of Valencia on Tuesday, October 29
Although after an initial inspection the track is in optimal condition, a large part of the access and parking infrastructure has been seriously damaged and needs urgent repair in view of the Motul Grand Prix of the Valencian Community, the last round of the world motorcycle championship on 15, 16 and 17 November.
More than 200 litres per square metre in less than twelve hours and above all the flow of water, mud and other elements from the Sechera ravine and the Poyo Ravine, next to the Circuit, have been the cause of the damage to the car parks and the main access to the Cheste facilities.
The roads into the track are heavily damaged. Photo Courtesy of Ricardo Tormo Circuit after DANA 2024 Nearly a 100 people have had to spend the night in different locations at the Cheste facilities . The gym, offices and other places far from the current have served as temporary shelter for operators assembling the claws and stands, part of the Formula E logistics team and maintenance, security and office staff at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
Formula E’s preseason test was due to take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo next week, before MotoGP’s season-finale.
A statement from Formula E stated the following:
Our thoughts go out to those affected by the extreme weather conditions in Spain. In light of the situation that has developed overnight in Valencia, we are working closely with the local authorities and representatives of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia ahead of the scheduled FIA Formula E official test next week.
Due to damage to the main access road caused by a burst river bank nearby, the circuit is currently inaccessible by vehicle. Four members of Formula E staff stayed at the circuit last night as a precaution, but are safe and able to transfer to and from the circuit by foot. Track conditions show no signs of damage, and we continue to assess garages and freight. Alternative access routes in and out of the circuit are currently being investigated. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates in due course.
Stay tuned to Cycle News for further updates as we get them.
Click here for all the latest MotoGP news.
