Racers from MotoGP and other series are helping Valencia and the surrounding communities recover from the devastating floods that killed at least 200 and have left many unaccounted for.
Aspar Team posted on its social media images of new Moto3 World Champion David Alonso and Aspar Team owner Jorge Martinez helping dig through the mud and debris left behind by the storm. And images circulated of 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Xavi Fores helping shovel mud from the streets of the affected areas. “My home and family is now safe but we had some family homes lost … trying to get back to normal life and helping the most affected people now,” Fores said in a text to Roadracing World.
A portion of ticket sales from the MotoGP finale in Barcelona will go directly to Valencia relief funds. The series says it will have three auctions across the weekend – two onsite and one online. The onsite auctions will be on Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm local time and be held in the fanzone at the circuit. MotoGP riders will be taking to the stage, joined by Legends and VIPs, to auction some of the incredible items donated from across the paddock.
“Fans from around the world can also take part in the online auction, where we have some true one-of-a-kind lots up for grabs in aid of the cause – we’re talking Maverick Viñales’ Moto3™ Championship-winning bike as one of the first items put forward,” MotoGP said in a statement posted on its website.
MotoGP also will be producing a special #RacingForValencia t-shirt, with proceeds going directly to the relief effort. Many in the paddock have also already donated and will continue to do so.
All MotoGP™ funds will then be donated to La Cruz Roja (Red Cross) who are working on the ground in the Community of Valencia, with the target of helping the towns closest to the circuit.
To donate, click here.
More, from a press release issued by the FIM:
FIM shows its continued support for the Community of Valencia
Having received the initial news regarding the recent and devastating floods in the Community of Valencia Spain, the FIM immediately expressed its condolences and sympathy in relation to the shocking loss of lives and the impact the resulting damage in the area is having on those who survived. The entire FIM family continues to send it heart felt wishes to everyone who has been affected by this disaster as they start the long and difficult recovery process to return to normal life.
The FIM has been proud to see the motorcycle community playing an active role in terms of offering help and support with the cleaning up work, with various high-profile riders having visited the region to provide morale and physical assistance.
During this same period the FIM has been working closely with the local authorities, the relevant national federations and promoters and other key stakeholders to create a positive outcome in terms of relocating the three important and title deciding events that originally were to be hosted in Valencia soon. These events could no longer be held in the area due to the damage to crucial infrastructure and to avoid any additional burden on local resources that are fully focused on restoring normality to the region.
All parties have worked together closely and tirelessly over recent days to ensure that the riders, teams, sponsors and the fans plus all other associates are able to realise the finales to the respective championships that the season long efforts and battles deserve. The FIM would like to express special thanks to both Spanish and Portuguese federations plus the promoter Dorna Sports for being able to accommodate these alternative and fitting events at such short notice and in these unfortunate circumstances.
Consequently, the FIM can confirm its full support, financial and otherwise, in relation to the following relocated events:
FIM Grand Prix World Championship event to be held on 15-17 November 2024 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (formerly Valencia) now to host the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona on the same dates as the original event.
FIM JuniorGP World Championship event to be held on 25-27 November 2024 at the Circuito do Estoril in Portugal (formerly Valencia) now to be hosted at the alternative circuit on the same dates as the original event.
FIM MiniGP World Series Final to be played on 12-14 November 2024 at MotorLand Aragon (formerly Valencia) now to be hosted at the alternative circuit on the same dates as the original event.
Speaking about this sad and sensitive matter FIM President Jorge Viegas explained: “The FIM continues to express its solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy, and to provide any support we can to the area that has been impacted. In these dark moments, the motorcycle community really shows its compassion and strength of togetherness, which is something the FIM can be very proud of. It is this same strong spirit that has been key to being able to ensure that the three season finales, that were due to be hosted in Valencia, have been able to be organised elsewhere within a matter of days. The FIM would like to say a huge thank you to all involved, and hope that these races bring some small enjoyment to the community of Valencia, that has motorcycle racing at the centre of its culture and brings measurable positive benefits to their recovery efforts.”
ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com)
The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 121 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.
