The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to host this season’s MotoGP finale from November 15-17 after the Valencia Grand Prix was cancelled due to devastating flooding in the region.
Dorna Sports, MotoGP’s commercial rights-holder, announced that Valencia would not be able to host the race on Friday after a large part of the access and parking infrastructure at Circuit Ricardo Tormo was damaged.
Barcelona represents an obvious choice for organisers and rights-holders, given the short relative distance between the two circuits.
“The Grand Prix will be held in solidarity with the Community of Valencia,” read a MotoGP statement.
“The event was previously set to take place in Valencia before the devastating flooding that has impacted the region so heavily.
“Being the last Grand Prix of the season, the sporting context the Championship is in, and the positive impact the event has, we owe it to our fans, our paddock, the sport, and Valencia to hold the event.
“Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will race for Valencia. For all those affected, and the entire Community of Valencia.”
Qatar, Portimao, and Jerez were considered as replacement hosts before Barcelona was selected.
LaLiga, the organising body of the top two divisions of Spanish football, announced yesterday that round 12 and 13 matches that were due to be played in the Valencia region have been postponed.
These concern games between Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Real Madrid, Castellón and Ferrol, Eldense and Huesca, and Levante and Málaga.
At least 214 people have been killed as a result of the floods while dozens are still missing.
