Formula E forced to move test week in Valencia due to Spanish floods
- Ludo van Denderen
Formula E has been forced to scrap the test which was scheduled to take place between 4-7 November at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo Circuit. This is because the Spanish city is struggling with devastating floods after severe storms, which more than 150 people have died from. The test will now be held at the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid. It will take place from 5 to 8 November.
In a statement, the Formula E organisers said: "We have all been monitoring the tragic situation in Valencia, where flash floods have devastated the region and claimed many lives. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these terrible events and we at Formula E are looking at how we can practically support the region during this awful time."
Formula E facing major challenge in Spain
After consulting with the local authorities, the FIA, and the people at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, the decision has been taken not to proceed with the test in Valencia. While it might have been logistically possible to proceed, Formula E does not want to create a distraction or use valuable resources that would be much better used to support the local community.
The pre-season test is an important moment ahead of season 11, which starts on 6 and 7 December in Sao Paulo. Therefore, it was decided to find an alternative venue, and Circuito del Jarama in Madrid will host both the official FIA Formula E test and the Women's Test next week. Over the next few days, Formula E and the teams will be working hard to make the move logistically and operationally possible.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton