The 2024 MotoGP riders’ title will be decided this weekend as Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia will battle for championship glory at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Pramac Ducați rider Martin leads his factory Ducati rival Bagnaia by 24 points meaning the Spaniard looks set to claim his maiden crown and stop the Italian’s run of two, straight titles.
But this weekend’s season finale was not always scheduled for Barcelona, as until 1 November MotoGP had intended on hosting the final race in its traditional location of Valencia.
So why did this change happen?
Why is the 2024 MotoGP season finale not in Valencia?
MotoGP was all set to host its 2024 season finale at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia until it was forced to cancel those plans due to flooding in the eastern Spain region.
Valencia was hit by a year’s worth of rainfall in the space of just eight hours on 29 October, which caused widespread devastation having killed over 200 people.
The access roads in and out of the circuit were completely damaged making it inaccessible via a vehicle, meaning it was practically impossible for the series to host its finale in Valencia.
In spite of that, MotoGP organisers were still initially keen on hosting the race at Circuit Ricardo Tormo because “if we don’t race in Valencia, it will be worse for the Valencian Community and its economy,” FIM president Jorge Viegas told Sky Italia.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna who run the series, added by telling AS newspaper: “They are working to fix access and services, the track has not been damaged.”
But, many things suddenly unravelled from the moment it was announced MotoGP still wanted to visit Valencia. That included Bagnaia revealing he would boycott the season finale even if it meant losing out on a third MotoGP championship.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo after flooding
Photo by: Paco Alcobendas
The 27-year-old stated “on an ethical level and with what is happening it is not the right thing to do”. A belief which was echoed by Martin and six-time champion Marc Marquez, who also thought the grand prix’s venue should change.
So with the potential of boycotts, especially from a title contender, MotoGP was left with very limited options and it soon cancelled the Valencian Grand Prix.
A statement from MotoGP read: ”MotoGP stands with the Community of Valencia following the devastating floods that have affected the area. Our hearts are with all those who have…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Autosport.com – MotoGP – Stories…