Spain is currently suffering from its worst floods in decades, resulting in multiple deaths and widespread devastation in Valencia.
It’s a natural disaster so bad, that bridges and buildings were swept away as torrential rain battered the region, leaving some to hide on the roofs of their houses.
The government has admitted that ‘many people are still missing’ as the clear-up operation begins – days on from a local area receiving one year of rain on Tuesday alone.
MotoGP is scheduled to hold its season finale event at the Valencia circuit in two weeks, and the floods have brought the possibility of the race being held into doubt.
Marc Marquez doesn’t ‘think’ the Grand Prix of Valencia should go ahead
The country’s most decorated rider has spoken out about the issue, and six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez is clear on his stance on the issue.
He’s currently in Malaysia for the penultimate round of the season in Sepang, which is a crucial race in the championship picture.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Marquez backed the idea that the race should be held elsewhere unless it’s to help raise money for the devasted areas.
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“Ethically speaking, I don’t think the Valencia Grand Prix should be held,” Marquez said. “Now [the organisers] have to meet and decide, but [if it were up to me] I would have already decided: there would have to be another race, one to close the championship, but somewhere else.
“The only idea that would make sense would be if all the proceeds [from the event] went to the families [affected]…looking at the pictures from here, if money can be raised to help the people affected, then that would be the only logical option.”
Where else could MotoGP hold the season finale?
If the series decides to move its season finale elsewhere, there are a few options which shouldn’t create too much of a headache.
Taking a look at alternatives which haven’t held a race yet, it’s hard to come by much in Spain – especially on such short notice.
Monza in Italy, Hockenheim (1994) or the Nurburgring (1997) in Germany haven’t ever or haven’t held MotoGP races for a while, but do they meet the FIA homologation requirements?
Magny Cours in France is there, too, but the series is likely to turn to tracks which have already held events this year. The Lusail International Circuit, which held the season-opening Grand Prix of Qatar, is emerging as a leading option should MotoGP replace Valencia.
Le Mans, Portimao, Catalunya, Jerez and Aragon all exist in close quarters. But there’s no guarantee that the race will even be moved, so the next few weeks will be crucial in determining what happens next.