Aleix Espargaro: Valencia “heartbreaking” – “If we race, we have to help”

The devastating floods in Valencia were the focus of MotoGP attention in Sepang on Thursday.

Not only are ten of the 22 drivers from Spain, many team members and the commercial rights holder Dorna are also based in the country.

Valencia is also scheduled to host the MotoGP season finale on November 15th and 17th, which is now in serious doubt for logistical and ethical reasons.

Home rider Aleix Espargaro, who will contest his last MotoGP as a full-time rider at the finale in Valencia, said:

“The pictures on social media are nothing because I spoke to some friends who live in small villages around Valencia and they told me that everything collapsed and was destroyed.

“They have no houses, no cars (washed away). Normally you see these images very far away from you, but when they happen close to home it is heartbreaking.”

Can MotoGP go there to race?

“I don't know. It's a very difficult situation. Hopefully Carmelo (Espargaro), Dorna and the Spanish government will make the right decision,” Espargaro replied.

“It’s not about the tracks. I think they can be repaired more or less easily in two weeks, but that's the situation with the hospitals and the emergency doctors. That's more important than going there and putting on a sports show.

“In any case, I hope they make the right decision.”

Asked if he would feel comfortable racing in Valencia under these circumstances, the factory Aprilia rider said if the event was to go ahead, “we have to help somehow.”

“It can be handled in different ways. If we can give something back to Valencia,” Espargaro said. “I don't know how… We can give our prize money, I will do it 100%. We can do it. Or Dorna can also find a way to help them.

“I don't know. The situation is very complicated. Obviously going there and racing is less important at the moment.

“If we are able to go there and race, we have to help in some way.”

Should Valencia fail to progress, there are rumors of a last-minute alternative such as Qatar, Portimao, Barcelona, Jerez or even a back-to-back game in Sepang.

“MotoGP is such a big deal that they can't wait to see the situation in Valencia. They need to work on a Plan B,” Espargaro said.

“I also think it’s fair for the (title) contenders to contest one more race.

“I think the season was not easy for Dorna in terms of organization and the racing calendar. Hopefully they can solve it again.”

Aleix Espargaro: Valencia “heartbreaking” – “If we race, we have to help” | MotoGP

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