Written by Max Smolarski, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
A weather phenomenon nicknamed DANA hit the eastern coast of Spain early on Tuesday, primarily affecting the provinces of Valencia and Castellón. 158 people have been confirmed dead, at the time of publishing. The widespread flooding has severely put into question major events scheduled to take place at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo all through November.
This includes the final rounds of Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP, the latter two of which have championship battles still at large, as well as Formula E’s pre-season test in the first week of November.
Formula E has already relocated its pre-season test, as well as its Women’s Test, from Valencia to Circuito del Jarama in northern Madrid. It was scheduled to take place at Valencia next week from the 4th to the 7th of November, as it has been the home of Formula E testing since 2017.
On 31st October, Formula E provided the following statement:
“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 4-7th 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.”
Since there has already been some work to prepare the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the test, it will take time to transport all necessary equipment to Jarama, where the tests are scheduled for the 5-8th November.
Formula E have stated that “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.”
As for MotoGP, Dorna is more optimistic about entering the season finale as scheduled in Valencia. Telling Spanish news outlet AS, the CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “In principle, the original date will be maintained. They are working to fix access and services. The track has not suffered any damage.”
“As you will all understand, it would be insensitive and irresponsible to discuss the event at this time. The focus must remain on helping those affected and the circuit is currently being used as a first aid centre.
“As MotoGP, we must try to help in any way possible. However, both the local authorities and MotoGP remain committed to holding the event on the planned date and will work tirelessly to achieve this,” Ezpeleta added.
In a more controversial comment, the FIM president Jorge Viegas told Sky Sport Italia, “If we don't do the race, it will be worse for the whole community of Valencia. We are working on a solution that everyone likes and that honours everything that has happened. [...] But if we don't go to Valencia, the economy will suffer.”
MotoGP riders have been more averse towards holding a GP at such a devastating time. Reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia told the media at Sepang; “I think it is disrespectful to talk about whether there will be a race or not. I only want people to be well.”
His current championship rival Jorge Martín said: “Motorcycles are secondary. Strength to all of Valencia.”
Eight-time champion Marc Márquez stated “It would be a mistake, ethically speaking, to race in Valencia. [...] The situation is what it is, and first of all, we have to help all the people who have been left homeless, who right now do not have a roof, food, all that.”
Whilst the track itself has indeed suffered little damage, the infrastructure around the track, including one of the minimoto tracks, as well as the main entrance road to the circuit are heavily damaged. Reports of damage to the buildings in and surrounding the track are currently unverified.
An official statement from the track’s Instagram page read:
“Nearly one hundred people have had to spend the night in different locations at the Cheste facilities.
“The gym, offices and other places away from the current have served as temporary shelter for operators assembling the stands and stands, part of the Formula E logistics team and maintenance, security and office staff at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.”
“The most important thing is that all the people who were at the circuit are fine, everyone has been able to spend the night safely at the circuit facilities,” said Nicolás Collado, general manager of the circuit.
“Now, a damage assessment process begins that will tell us to what extent this DANA will affect the Grand Prix, [so] all previous activities are currently cancelled in order to try to reach the organisation of the Grand Prix with full guarantees as the sole objective,” he added.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo is located just west outside of Valencia, in the town of Cheste, where over 400 litres/m2 of rain fell in less than 12 hours. The neighbouring town of Chiva was the worst affected by flash flooding; it is now known for the international headline of receiving over a years’ worth of rain in only eight hours.
The phenomenon that has caused this devastation is called DANA in Spain, short for high-altitude isolated depression (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). It occurs when an area of cold, low pressure cuts off from prevailing winds (in this case the North Atlantic jet stream), and enters an area of warm, high-pressure winds.
Whilst the weather system has weakened throughout the week, heavy rain is still forecast for Friday and Saturday, mainly in Valencia and parts of Barcelona, as well as the south-west and much of Portugal.
DIVEBOMB sends its condolences to those affected by the floods and the devastation, and wishes everyone in the area well.
Comments