THE VALENCIA GP CANCELED, NEW VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED FOR THE 20TH AND LAST GRAND PRIX OF THE 2024 SEASON
3 November 2024 - The long MotoGP race in Sepang was initially red-flagged due to a multi-rider crash on turn 2, followed by a second start with the race reduced to 19 laps instead of the originally planned 20.
Maverick Viñales had a convincing start from the twelfth spot on the grid and was in the battle for the top seven by the end of the first few laps. Throughout the race, the Spanish rider maintained a solid and consistent pace which allowed him to stay competitive all the way to the end, where he finished seventh.
For Aleix Espargaró, the long race proved to be more complex. Starting from the rear, his chances of a comeback were limited from the early stages of the race, and the Spanish rider finished thirteenth.
MAVERICK VIÑALES, #12: “We took a step forward in terms of pace. After the sprint race, we worked to figure out where we had gone wrong. We knew that the problem was with braking, and we made a few changes to the set-up which worked well because I was able to battle in the race.”
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ, #41: “The race was difficult. Our weekend actually got complicated already in qualifying, where we were unable to earn a better starting position. Starting from so far back makes it difficult to come back. The heat had a negative impact on the bike’s performance and that is certainly something we need to improve for the future.”
MASSIMO RIVOLA: “Qualifying and the start are two crucial stages of the weekend so, not having done well in these two things, it was hard to expect a race close to the podium. Maverick’s race was still positive, especially when he found himself with some open track ahead. It was more difficult for Aleix who was unable to set his pace battling with the other riders. We will close out the season in Spain and our thoughts go to all the families in Valencia who have been hit by this tragedy.”
APRILIA:
www.aprilia.com/en_EN/aprilia-racing/moto-gp
Motogp.com press release, 01/11/2024. The Valencia Gp will not take place, the alternative is to be confirmed. MotoGP™ stands with the Community of Valencia following the devastating floods that have affected the area. Our hearts are with all those who have been lost and those who have lost so much. We have been in constant contact with the local authorities and the circuit to best assess how we can help and how we should proceed. We have a responsibility to every region where we race that goes far beyond the sport and the events. After carefully weighing up the potential positive impact of MotoGP™ racing in Valencia on delayed dates versus ensuring no single resource is diverted from the recovery efforts by the presence of MotoGP™, the championship and local authorities have been obliged to cancel the 2024 Valencia GP.
Motogp.com video - Update on the 2024 finale:
https://www.motogp.com/it/videos/2024/11/03/update-on-the-2024-finale/512524
In lieu of racing in Valencia, MotoGP™ will instead race for Valencia. The championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area in the way it best serves the people and communities we have been part of for so long. Our efforts will begin during the Malaysian GP and continue at the final round of 2024, with a new venue and dates to be announced as soon as confirmed. Fans around the world, our athletes, and paddock deserve a sporting finale to the 2024 season, and one that can make a key contribution to supporting the communities we race in. Any further information regarding the season finale will be confirmed as soon as possible.
(motogp.com).
