Having received the initial news regarding the recent and devastating floods in the Community of Valencia Spain, the FIM immediately expressed its condolences and sympathy in relation to the shocking loss of lives and the impact the resulting damage in the area is having on those who survived. The entire FIM family continues to send it heart felt wishes to everyone who has been affected by this disaster as they start the long and difficult recovery process to return to normal life.
The FIM has been proud to see the motorcycle community playing an active role in terms of offering help and support with the cleaning up work, with various high-profile riders having visited the region to provide morale and physical assistance.
During this same period the FIM has been working closely with the local authorities, the relevant national federations and promoters and other key stakeholders to create a positive outcome in terms of relocating the three important and title deciding events that originally were to be hosted in Valencia soon. These events could no longer be held in the area due to the damage to crucial infrastructure and to avoid any additional burden on local resources that are fully focused on restoring normality to the region.
All parties have worked together closely and tirelessly over recent days to ensure that the riders, teams, sponsors and the fans plus all other associates are able to realise the finales to the respective championships that the season long efforts and battles deserve. The FIM would like to express special thanks to both Spanish and Portuguese federations plus the promoter Dorna Sports for being able to accommodate these alternative and fitting events at such short notice and in these unfortunate circumstances.
Consequently, the FIM can confirm its full support, financial and otherwise, in relation to the following relocated events:
FIM Grand Prix World Championship event to be held on 15-17 November 2024 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (formerly Valencia) now to host the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona on the same dates as the original event.
FIM JuniorGP World Championship event to be held on 25-27 November 2024 at the Circuito do Estoril in Portugal (formerly Valencia) now to be hosted at the alternative circuit on the same dates as the original event.
FIM MiniGP World Series Final to be played on 12-14 November 2024 at MotorLand Aragon (formerly Valencia) now to be hosted at the alternative circuit on the same dates as the original event.
Speaking about this sad and sensitive matter FIM President Jorge Viegas explained: “The FIM continues to express its solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy, and to provide any support we can to the area that has been impacted. In these dark moments, the motorcycle community really shows its compassion and strength of togetherness, which is something the FIM can be very proud of. It is this same strong spirit that has been key to being able to ensure that the three season finales, that were due to be hosted in Valencia, have been able to be organised elsewhere within a matter of days. The FIM would like to say a huge thank you to all involved, and hope that these races bring some small enjoyment to the community of Valencia, that has motorcycle racing at the centre of its culture and brings measurable positive benefits to their recovery efforts.”