Carmelo Ezpeleta and Jorge Viegas have their say on the under-threat Valencia Grand Prix in two weeks.
Valencia was hit by deadly flooding on the night of Tuesday the 29th of October. The flooding has caused loss of life and damaged infrastructure in and around the Spanish city.
In two weeks, MotoGP was supposed to be racing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the 2024 season finale. The flooding has caused a significant loss of life, with the death toll standing at 158 at the time of writing.
Multiple MotoGP riders, including Marc Marquez, have stated that the Valencian Grand Prix should not proceed.
If the Valencian Grand Prix does get cancelled it could make this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix the series finale. Unless a 20th round could be organised at a different circuit, this would take significant work and pose several logistical issues.
What have the MotoGP bosses had to say about the Valencian Grand Prix?
MotoGP bosses want to keep the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia as the final round of the 2024 season.
FIM President, Jorge Viegas, said that the economic concerns in Valencia, which has been devastated by deadly floods, means that MotoGPs presence in two weeks remains important.
"If we don't race in Valencia, that will be worse for the Valencian Community and for its economy,” Viegas told Sky Italia.
A season finale in Valencia is still the plan if it is logistically possible, Sky Italia reports. Alongside the final round aid would be organised for the local communities who have been impacted by the flooding.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta shares the same mindset as Viegas, as they want to keep Valencia as the series finale.
"In principle, the original date is maintained,” he told Spanish publication AS. “They are working to solve access and services. The track has not been damaged. "
"Everyone is aware of the current situation in Valencia due to heavy rains and floods. Sadly, there have been more than 50 fatalities in the region (158 at the time of writing) and many people are still missing. Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones.
“Fortunately, there have been no injuries among the circuit staff, but there is extensive damage to the exterior of the facilities, especially at the access to the circuit.
“We have been informed that the GP track itself appears to be in good condition, although a full assessment is still being carried out.”
However, Ezpeleta also emphasised that MotoGP should not be the priority. He insisted that the welfare and safety of the people in the Valencia region is the main focus.
"As you will all understand, it would be insensitive and irresponsible to talk about the event at this time,” he said.
“The focus must continue to be on helping those affected and the circuit is currently being used as a relief centre.
“As MotoGP, we must try to help as much as possible. However, both the local authorities and MotoGP remain committed to holding the event on the scheduled date and will work tirelessly to achieve it.
“We will continue to provide more information when it becomes available, and we will communicate as soon as possible if there are changes in the organisation of the event.”
