Formula E says Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit – which will host four days of pre-season testing next week – shows “no signs of damage” despite devastating flash floods hitting the south-east region of Spain during the night.

The floods killed at least 62 people and left more than 150,000 homes without power, after accompanying rains and strong winds affected power lines. Bridges also fell and cars abandoned in the streets were swept away.

The BBC reported that Chiva, located 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 about 18 inches of rain, but more than 19 inches fell in eight hours, including more than six in one hour. Neighboring countries and the European Union have already offered assistance to help flood victims.

Flights to the region were impacted, while high-speed trains connecting Valencia to Madrid and Barcelona were canceled, and football matches involving local teams Valencia CF and Levante UD were also called off. Meanwhile, the track, although showing no damage, remained inaccessible to vehicles due to the bursting of a nearby bank.

Horrible floods in Spain – this is now the entry road to the Ricardo Tormo circuit pic.twitter.com/exB2BLLyNy

– Mat Oxley (@matoxley) October 30, 2024

Formula E is scheduled to be in Valencia from Monday November 4 to Thursday November 7 for four full days of running at the track, which has hosted Formula E testing since 2017 and was previously a regular venue for Formula 1 testing. On time Currently, testing is still underway, with team cargo currently en route to the track, although Formula E continues to monitor the situation.

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

“Due to damage caused to the main access road by the failure of a nearby bank, the circuit is currently inaccessible to vehicles. Four Formula E staff stayed at the circuit last night as a precaution, but are safe and can travel to and from the circuit on foot. The runway condition shows no signs of damage and we continue to assess garages and cargo. Alternative access routes to the entrance and exit of the circuit are currently being studied.

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

Last weekend, Circuit Ricardo Tormo hosted the third FIA Motorsport Games, a multi-disciplinary event featuring drifting, Esports, Formula 4, GT racing, karting, rallying and rallycross. Hosts Spain top the medal table with six gold, six silver and six bronze, ahead of Germany and Italy. Of the 85 nations registered, 26 obtained medals.

The MotoGP season finale is also scheduled to take place in Valencia on November 17, with the only official update on this event so far being that “MotoGP is in contact with the circuit and local authorities to offer our support and our assistance in our work together. recover as quickly as possible. »

Further south, the Circuito de Jerez – which hosts the Spanish Superbike championship this weekend and the Lamborghini SuperTrofeo world final on November 16-17 – was also flooded.

Catalonia – in northern Spain, where the Barcelona-Catalonia circuit is located – has also received a severe weather warning, with severe hailstorms and winds above 90 km/h expected. The Barcelona-Catalonia circuit will host the Spanish Formula 4 and TCR Spain touring car races on November 9-10, as well as the GT and TCR competitions on November 23-24.