Formula E organizers canceled upcoming pre-season testing in Valencia after heavy floods killed no less than 158 people and held the event in Jarama as a substitute.
The electric vehicle championship was scheduled to run over 4 days for all 11 teams and the brand new Gen3 Evo machines from November 4-7 on the Ricardo Tormo circuit.
But on Tuesday, a yr's price of rain hit the Valencia region in eastern Spain in only eight hours, causing widespread destruction that left greater than 100 people dead and plenty of still missing.
Access roads to and from the track were completely swept away by flash flooding, and Formula E organizers announced on Wednesday that it was inaccessible by automobile.
Although the Ricardo Tormo track itself remained undamaged, problems with access to the power, in addition to wider logistical problems in the world, resulted in Formula E canceling the test.
Ricardo Tormo track after flooding
Photo: Paco Alcobendas
“We are all monitoring the tragic situation in Valencia, where flash floods have devastated the region and claimed many lives,” Formula E said in an announcement released on Thursday.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these terrible events, and we at Formula E are considering how we are able to practically support the region at this terrible time.
“After consultations with the local authorities, the FIA and our colleagues on the Ricardo Tormo circuit, now we have decided to not proceed our pre-season testing in Valencia, scheduled for November 4-7.
“While it was logistically possible to proceed operations, it is necessary to not divert attention or divert invaluable resources that might be a lot better suited to supporting the area people.
“We have a number of Formula E team members who have been working in Valencia over the last week and we want to thank them personally for everything they have done and continue to do to support the area.”
The statement also added that the planned event, in addition to the ladies's test, which is able to happen from November 5 to eight, will happen at a brand new venue, the Circuito del Jarama.
He added: “The full event schedule will be confirmed in due course as we will face a number of logistical and operational challenges that will determine whether it will be possible to move our test operations to Madrid on that date.”
The Ricardo Tormo circuit will currently host the conclusion of the 2024 MotoGP season next week, from November 15-17, and organizers said on Wednesday that the championship is “committed” to running the race but is concentrated on supporting the riders community.
Ahead of this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix, Marc Marquez stated that “ethically, I don't think the Valencia Grand Prix should go ahead”, adding that it should only go ahead if all proceeds go to the victims' families.
Recently, the 2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was canceled by Formula 1 organizers after flooding in the world resulted in two deaths.
