Valencia will not hold the MotoGP season finale despite promoter Dorna's initial plans to race there despite the tragic flooding in the region.
Dorna has officially announced plans to cancel the event and is looking for an alternative venue to host the race, probably at a later date than the scheduled 15-17 November weekend.
With the paddock set up at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix, meetings are taking place between the parties involved in what is a very critical decision, given the sensitivity of the matter.
As early as Thursday, Dorna’s initial idea, coordinated with the FIM, was to try to keep the Valencia circuit as the chosen venue for the last round of the season.
In the hours that followed, the possibility of moving the race a week later to Sunday 24th November briefly emerged as an option – one that was even communicated to several riders on the MotoGP grid.
However, Autosport understands that by Friday afternoon there had been a considerable change in viewpoint among Dorna bosses, who began to consider Valencia unfeasible.
With that in mind, the Spanish company’s directors are already working to find an alternative to close the title fight between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, which could be resolved this Sunday in Malaysia – although only in favour of the Spaniard. Martin would have to score 21 points more than the Italian to settle the championship.
"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," read statement from MotoGP.
"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."
The official death toll from the floods stood at 158 earlier on Friday, although forecasts point to a much higher figure given the number of people still missing.
In this context, in which up to 20 towns are without drinking water and the army is deployed in the area, Dorna’s directors have finally reached the conclusion that there seems to be no possible justification for organising a grand prix in Valencia.
There had already been very strong statements by riders such as Marc Marquez and Bagnaia, who on Friday insisted that he did not plan to travel to Valencia to race there, even if it would cost him the title.
“I hope they [at Dorna] take into consideration the fact that on an ethical level, with what is happening, it is not the right thing to do,” said the reigning champion. “Even at the cost of losing the ultimate goal for me, which is the title, I’m not willing to race in Valencia.”
Autosport understands that four alternatives are now being considered for a replacement finale: Qatar, Jerez, Barcelona and Portimao.
In the event that the Losail circuit is chosen, Formula 1 will occupy the track the week of 25 November to 1 December which would lead MotoGP to look for a date that would probably be the Sunday before (24 November).
What does seem clear is that the closing race of the season will not be held on the scheduled date.
