Formula E organisers have cancelled the upcoming pre-season test in Valencia following torrential flooding in the area which has left at least 158 people dead and will instead hold the event in Jarama.
The all-electric championship was due to hold four days of running for all 11 teams and the new Gen3 Evo machines between 4-7 November at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
But the Valencia region in eastern Spain was hit by a year’s worth of rainfall in the space of just eight hours on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation that has killed well over 100 people with many still missing.
The access roads in and out of the circuit have been completely swept away in the flash flooding, with Formula E organisers announcing on Wednesday that it was inaccessible by vehicle.
Although the Ricardo Tormo Circuit itself was undamaged, problems gaining access to the site as well as the wider logistical problems in the area have meant Formula E has cancelled the test.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo after flooding
Photo by: Paco Alcobendas
“We have all been monitoring the tragic situation in Valencia, where flash floods have devastated the region and claimed many lives,” said a Formula E statement released on Thursday.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these terrible events and we at Formula E are looking at how we can practically support the region during this awful time.
“Following consultation with local authorities, the FIA and our colleagues at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, we have decided not to proceed with our pre-season test in Valencia, planned for 4-7 November.
“While it may have been possible to go ahead logistically, it is important not to create any distraction or use valuable resources that are much better served supporting the local community.
“We have a number of Formula E team members who have been working on the ground in Valencia over the past week, and we want to personally thank them for everything they’ve done, and continue to do, to support the area.”
The statement went on to add that a new venue in the form of the Circuito del Jarama would host the scheduled event – as well as the all-female test – which will run from 5-8 November.
It added: “The full event schedule will be confirmed in due course, as we navigate a number of logistical and operational challenges which will determine if it’s possible to move our test operations to Madrid within this timeframe.”
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit is currently due to host the conclusion of the 2024 MotoGP season the following week on 15-17 November, with organisers stating on Wednesday that the championship is “committed” to running the race but that its focus is on supporting those in the community.
Ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend, Marc Marquez claimed that “ethically speaking, I don’t think the Valencia Grand Prix should be held”, adding that it should only take place if all the proceeds are given to the families of victims.
Most recently, the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled by Formula 1 organisers after flooding in the area that resulted in two deaths.
