MotoGP confirmed the Valencia season finale, initially scheduled in two weeks, will now be held at an alternative location after severe flooding devastated the region, claiming over 200 lives.
Following intense discussions, MotoGP and local authorities decided that holding the race in Valencia would divert essential resources from recovery efforts, despite the potential economic boost a delayed event could have offered.
In a statement, MotoGP expressed support for the relief initiatives in Valencia: “Our collective efforts will go towards backing the relief funds already in place to support the area in a way that truly serves the communities we have long been a part of.”
The statement added the focus on supporting Valencia will begin during this weekend’s Malaysian GP and extend to the season’s final race. MotoGP plans to announce the new location and date for the finale as soon as arrangements are confirmed.
Initially, organisers considered delaying the Valencia race by a week, but pressure from riders—led by Italy’s double MotoGP world champion, Francesco Bagnaia—swayed the decision. Bagnaia, who trails championship leader Jorge Martin by 17 points, declared he would not participate in Valencia due to the ethical concerns surrounding the crisis.
Speaking from the Sepang circuit, where he led practice times for the Malaysian GP, Bagnaia voiced his stance: “Even at the cost of losing the world championship, I am not willing to race in Valencia.”
He further urged organisers to reconsider, stating, “On an ethical level and given the situation, going to race there is not the right thing.”
