Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 1:58 p.m.
The devastating floods suffered in the province of Valencia forced the cancellation last weekend of the final grand prix that was going to be held at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste. After studying different scenarios to celebrate the last race of the season that, among other things, decides the MotoGP title, the championship promoter (Dorna) requested the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya de Montmeló to hold it, waiting for the Generalitat itself confirmed its availability and possibility of organization, as has happened.
«Barcelona represents the most convenient option for fans who had already planned to attend the 2024 MotoGP season finale. The location and the circuit also offer an efficient solution, facilitating logistics and minimizing inconveniences for staff and the organization,” the World Cup organization confirmed this Tuesday. The original date on which the Valencia GP was going to be held will be maintained, from November 15 to 17.
As for the official name of this event, the Barcelona Solidarity Grand Prix has been chosen, winking at the meaning that we want to give to this race, an event that will not only be sporting, but will be held in solidarity with the region most affected by DANA. «Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will race in Valencia. For all those affected and for the entire Valencian Community,” according to the statement sent by the championship.
The grand prix program has not yet been announced, nor the details and initiatives that will be carried out during the weekend, both for those involved in the championship and for the fans themselves who attend the Catalan circuit. What is stated in the press release is that, “racing near the Valencian Community will allow the paddock to contribute more directly to the cause.”
The outcome of the championship
The championship promoter already informed the drivers that there would be a final round on the dates scheduled for Valencia, before competing in the last race in Malaysia. And, with the MotoGP title at stake, it was only fair that those involved in the battle for the championship had all the information possible before going out on the track.
Montmeló will host the MotoGP outcome, with Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia separated by 24 points. Depending on the results of the weekend, the Spaniard could already be champion in the sprint on Saturday, in what would be his first title in the premier class. And in case of Italian victory, it would be the third in a row for Bagnaia. In addition, third position in the championship is also at stake, much tighter, since Marc Márquez leads Enea Bastianini by a single point.
Although it is not specified in the statement, Barcelona will host the final gala of the season where the trophies are presented to the champions of the different categories of the World Cup. In addition, the Montmeló circuit will also hold the traditional post-season test on Tuesday the 19th, where the riders will debut their new mounts for the first time in a full day of training that serves, at the same time, as the closing of 2024 and the beginning of the season. 2025.
