Catastrophic flooding has severely impacted Valencia, jeopardizing the MotoGP season finale scheduled for just two weeks from now. Flash floods in southeastern Spain have resulted in the unfortunate loss of seventy-two lives.
The Ricardo Tormo circuit is set to host the concluding round of the 2024 MotoGP season from November 15-17.
On Wednesday, officials from the circuit announced they have started evaluating the significant damages sustained. Although an initial assessment indicates that the track remains in “optimal condition,” access routes and parking facilities have experienced “serious damage” that necessitates “immediate repairs.”
The intense rainfall caused over 200 liters of water per square meter to fall in less than 12 hours, leading to flooding that included water flow, mud, debris from nearby ravines, and damage to parts of the circuit itself.
Around 100 personnel, comprising grandstand assembly workers, the Formula E logistics crew, as well as maintenance and security staff, were compelled to find refuge overnight in safe areas on-site, such as the gym and office.
Nicolás Collado, the general director of the Ricardo Tormo circuit, stated, “The most crucial aspect is that everyone at the circuit is safe; they managed to spend the night without incident in the facilities.”