Top riders want Valencia race moved after deadly floods

SEPANG: Leading MotoGP riders yesterday called for the season finale in a fortnight to be moved out of Valencia because of deadly once-in-a-generation flooding in Spain.

At least 95 people have been killed and troops, police and firefighters are racing to find survivors and victims in the Valencia region of the country.

The MotoGP world title could go down to the final race weekend of the campaign, scheduled for the Circuit Ricardo Tormo just outside Valencia on Nov 16-17.

Spain’s Jorge Martin, who tops the championship ahead of Italy’s title-holder Francesco Bagnaia, said: “At the end of the day, I think the best solution will be to race elsewhere.”

The 26-year-old called on the sport’s bosses to make a decision on a possible change of venue as soon as possible.

“The best thing would be to know right now so you approach the weekend in a different way,” he said.

Title rival Bagnaia, who is still in the fight just 17 points back, said the Spanish people “are living their worst dream”.

“The most difficult thing for me is the ethical side because racing there is like a party, like a moment to enjoy.

“Knowing the situation as it is, it’s not correct ... this could be wrong to race there. If it was my choice, I’d prefer not to race there.

The Valencia track itself has not been damaged but there are question marks about some of the other infrastructure needed to host thousands of fans. — AFP