Barcelona is hosting the MotoGP season finale this weekend, a role initially intended for Valencia. Severe destruction caused by Storm Dana in the region led to a last-minute change, but the Catalan circuit was not the only option considered.
Speaking to SportTV, FIM President Jorge Viegas revealed that Qatar’s Losail Circuit was the initial preference: ‘We first decided to go to Qatar, and it was the plan until the last moment. Then, on Sunday night, they informed us that Qatar wasn’t an option because they have Formula 1 in 15 days and still need to complete track renovations. After that, the option became Barcelona. Barcelona initially told us only December 1 was possible, and I said, «December 1 is not an option because of the Intercontinental Games in Jerez that day». Eventually, Barcelona agreed to host the race today, which was better for everyone – it was the planned date. But it required significant effort from the circuit, Dorna, and the FIM’.
Replacing Valencia is now the Solidarity GP of Barcelona, and Viegas emphasized the charitable nature of the event: ‘There is nothing we can do. What happened, happened. Both Dorna and the FIM will donate all proceeds from this Grand Prix to the two villages/towns around Valencia that suffered the most from the floods’.
As for the initial push to host the GP in Valencia, Viegas explained: ‘It’s very simple: no one knew the full extent of what had happened. Initially, people thought, «Well, it’s a flood». No one imagined so many lives were lost, or that the destruction was so severe. As rescue teams progressed, it became clear that hosting the race there was utterly impossible. Of course, it would have been better if the race could have been held in Valencia – it would have brought revenue to the region and provided a brief distraction from the tragedy. But even today, they are finding bodies. There are no conditions, no way’.