Formula E ‘monitoring situation’ after flash floods impact test venue

Formula E has said that the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia -- which will host four days of pre-season testing next week -- is showing “no signs of damage” despite devastating flash floods impacting the area in southeastern Spain overnight.

The floods have killed at least 72 people and left more than 150,000 homes without power, after the rains and accompanying strong winds affected power lines. Bridges have also fallen and cars, abandoned in the streets, have been swept away.

The BBC has reported that Chiva, just over six miles from the circuit, experienced more than a year’s worth of rain in less than half a day. In a year the region can expect around 18 inches of rain, but more than 19 inches fell in eight hours, with more than six of that coming in one hour. Neighboring nations and the European Union have already offered help with flood relief.

Flights into the region have been impacted, while high-speed trains connecting Valencia to Madrid and Barcelona have been canceled, and soccer matches involving local teams Valencia CF and Levante UD have also been called off. Meanwhile the track, while itself not showing any damage, has been left inaccessible by vehicle as a result of a burst riverbank nearby.

Formula E is due to be in Valencia from Monday, Nov. 4 until Thursday, Nov. 7 for four full days of running at the track, which has hosted Formula E testing since 2017 and was previously a regular spot for Formula 1 testing. At present, the test is still going ahead, with teams’ freight currently en route to the track, although Formula E is continuing to monitor the situation.

“Our thoughts go out to those affected by the extreme weather conditions in Spain,” the series said in a statement. “We are working closely with the local authorities and representatives of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia ahead of the scheduled FIA Formula E official test next week.

“Due to damage to the main access road caused by a burst river bank nearby, the circuit is currently inaccessible by vehicle. Four members of Formula E staff stayed at the circuit last night as a precaution, but are safe and able to transfer to and from the circuit by foot. Track conditions show no signs of damage, and we continue to assess garages and freight. Alternative access routes in and out of the circuit are currently being investigated.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates in due course.”

Last weekend Circuit Ricardo Tormo played host to the third FIA Motorsport Games, a multi-discipline event featuring drifting, Esports, Formula 4, GT racing, karting, rallying and rallycross. Host nation Spain topped the medal table with six gold medals, six silver, and six bronze, ahead of Germany and Italy. Of the 85 nations entered, 26 achieved medals.

MotoGP's season finale is also set to take place in Valencia on Nov. 17, with the only official update on that event so far being that “MotoGP is in contact with the circuit and the local authorities to offer our support and assistance as we work together to recover as soon as possible."

Further south, the city of Jerez has also had flooding, and is anticipating more very heavy rain in the next 12 hours, according to Spanish broadcaster RTVE. Nearby Circuito de Jerez is hosting the Spanish Superbike championship this weekend and the Lamborghini SuperTrofeo World Finals on Nov. 16-17.

Catalonia -- in the north of Spain, where Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya is situated -- has been issued with a severe weather warning too, with large hail storms and winds in excess of 56mph expected. Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya will host Spanish Formula 4 and TCR Spain touring car racing on Nov. 9-10, and GT and TCR competitions on Nov. 23-24.