MotoGP riders urge Valencia season finale relocation amid severe Spain floods
Top MotoGP riders have called for the season finale to be moved from Valencia due to catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 95 lives across Spain’s Valencia region. Scheduled for November 16-17 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia, the season-ending race could be the championship decider, with Jorge Martin leading the standings just 17 points ahead of Francesco Bagnaia.
Martin, a Spanish rider with Pramac Ducati, voiced strong support for relocating the race. “At the end of the day, I think the best solution will be to race elsewhere,” said the 26-year-old, speaking from Sepang ahead of the Malaysia GP. He urged MotoGP officials to make a quick decision to allow riders to prepare accordingly. “The best thing would be to know right now so you approach the weekend in a different way,” Martin added.
Bagnaia, his closest rival, emphasized the ethical concerns. “The Spanish people are living their worst dream,” he said. “Racing there feels wrong… I’d prefer not to race there.”
Six-time world champion Marc Marquez also advocated for the focus to be on recovery, not racing. “As a Spaniard, it’s super-difficult to see these kinds of images,” he said, stressing that all resources should aid those affected by the devastation.
(Source: AFP)
