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As if the cancellations of Argentina, Kazakhstan and India were not enough, yet another calendar problem has hit Dorna. This time to tell the truth, one can say it's dramatic because the bad weather (Storm Dana, Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos, 'isolated depression in the high levels,' ed.) that has hit Valencia, putting in doubt the holding of the most important Grand Prix of the year, was a natural disaster.
It is more the opportunity to get it to be held in spite of everything, the center of the problem, because the Ricardo Tormo circuit actually did not suffer any damage to the structure but only to the connecting roads.
But the Valencia Grand Prix is above all the closing party of the MotoGP, and on Sunday night the new champions are celebrated in the city. And it is this sort of atmosphere that will not be there that is holding everything back.
It is also true that we cannot be hypocritical, because life goes on and, indeed, the world of two wheels could offer some major support to remember it.
There is, then, all the talk of sponsors and the test, with related changes of helmets, organized on the Tuesday following the Grand Prix and the contracts with TV, because this is a moment of great interest for the series, to be considered.
That is why Dorna and Carmelo Ezpeleta himself are taking their time. There is no doubt that the Grand Prix can be organized despite everything, the problem is the opportunity.
The date, November 15 to 17, "in principle" will not be changed, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said at Sepang.
"In principle, the original date will be kept. They are working to fix the access and facilities. The track has not suffered any damage."
The teams received a message Wednesday evening from the championship promoter : "Everyone is aware of the current situation in Valencia due to the heavy rain and flooding. Unfortunately, there have been more than 100 victims in the region and many people are still missing. Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the circuit staff, but there is extensive damage to the outside of the facility, particularly to the access to the circuit. We have been informed that the GP track appears to be in good condition, although a full assessment is still underway. As you all will understand, it would be insensitive and irresponsible to discuss the event at this time. The focus must remain on helping those affected, and the track is currently being used as a relief center. As MotoGP, we must try to help in any way we can. However, both the local authorities and MotoGP are committed to ensuring that the event goes on as planned and will work tirelessly to achieve this goal. We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available and will communicate any changes in the organization of the event as soon as possible."
In the light of this, Aleix Espargarò's declarations make sense.
"It's not about the track facilities. I think they can be repaired more or less easily in two weeks, but it's the situation of the hospitals and the people dealing with emergencies. This is more important than going there to do a sports show. This can be handled in different ways. If we can give something back to Valencia," said the Aprilia rider, " we can give our prize money. Or Dorna can find a way to help them as well. MotoGP is such an important event that they can't wait to see the situation in Valencia. They have to work on a plan B."
The problem is all here: identifying this plan B. Incidentally, on the calendar, the Valencia circuit also has on its schedule, the week following the Grand Prix, the FIM JuniorGP on November 23-24.
Perhaps moving it to that date might be the easiest solution. While the one with greater appeal, perhaps, would be to run in Qatar, at night, in prime time, for the most important challenge of the year between Martin and Bagnaia.
