MotoGP is poised to replace the cancelled Valencia GP with a new race in Barcelona, Autosport understands.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is now set to stage the season finale on 17 November, having already hosted the sixth round of the championship back in May.
The development follows the decision to scrap the Valencia race on Friday due to devastating flooding in the region in recent days, with over 200 people having lost their lives according to the official figures.
Championship promoter Dorna previously stated that it will announce the venue and other details for the final round at a later date, as it scrambled to organise a replacement event.
Autosport has learned that the preferred option in the run-up to the Malaysian GP is Barcelona, with the series sticking to the original date of 17 November.
Barcelona has emerged as the prime candidate in the race against Qatar, which was previously seen as the most likely alternative.
Barcelona was the most popular choice in the paddock, as many teams, especially in Moto2 and Moto3, are tight on budget at this stage of the season.
Going back to Doha, where the season started eight months ago in March, would have been a considerable expense for a number of teams.
Although Qatar was seen as the least emotionally problematic situation given the distance to Spain, it would have meant making compromises on the logistical side. Added to that, the Losail circuit was also preparing to host its annual Formula 1 race on 1 December.
On the other hand, riders felt it was acceptable to race in Barcelona, which is located some 400km from Valencia
MotoGP spent Sunday morning hosting meetings with the Calalunya government to finalise the deal to race in Barcelona.
With the agreement in place between two parties, Ezpeleta met the MotoGP teams’ association IRTA at half past nine to provide the latest update on the situation.
In the next few hours, a protocol will be established for those that bought tickets for the original Valencia race.
Following the grand prix, an official test will be held at the same venue on Tuesday, 19 November.
"We thought it was important to tell the riders before they went out on track yesterday, especially those in contention for positions, to confirm that there would be another event on the calendar," Carlos Ezpeleta said on Sunday morning.
"It’s been a very challenging couple of days, much more so for the Community of Valencia of course, but we think that – given the situation the Championship is in, sporting wise, but also for fans across the world – we thought it was important to hold a final event of the season. We owe that to the paddock and our fans.
“We have been looking at all the possibilities we had, it’s very challenging to organise an event in two weeks, but during the last 48 hours we’ve looked at all possible alternatives and we think that Barcelona is the best possible place given the proximity to Valencia, given that a lot of people were already travelling through to get to the finale, and especially for fans – we think it’s the best possible place for them. We also know we will be able to help the Community of Valencia from that location as well.
“That’s why we’ve requested the Government of Catalunya to be able to hold the event there. They want to communicate and align themselves with both the Government of Spain and that of Valencia before confirming the event, and we hope that confirmation comes in the next 48 hours.
"But the urgency right now is Valencia – not confirming our GP. It’s something we can wait for and once it’s confirmed we’ll start working as hard as possible, as it’s definitely a challenge but we think there’s a lot of good we can do and we feel owe it to our fans.
“We want to thank the entire MotoGP community, the riders, and the teams, for their proactiveness, help, and support.”
