Formula E has announced the relocation of its pre-season testing from Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia to the Jarama circuit near Madrid, following catastrophic flooding in the region. The severe weather has led to the tragic loss of at least 155 lives and significant damage to local infrastructure, including key facilities at the circuit.
Valencia, a familiar venue for Formula E’s pre-season events since 2017, was set to host the debut of the Gen3 Evo car for the upcoming two seasons. However, substantial damage, especially to the circuit’s main access road, combined with the pressing needs of the local community, decided to move the test unavoidable.
The pre-season test will now be held at Jarama, starting a day later than planned, from November 5-8. This schedule will still accommodate both the official pre-season test and the first-ever women’s test. The series acknowledged the significant logistical and operational challenges involved in the move but stressed its commitment to proceed with sensitivity.
In an official statement, Formula E expressed deep concern and solidarity: “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.”
“Following consultation with local authorities, the FIA and our colleagues at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, we have decided not to proceed with our pre-season test in Valencia, planned for 4-7 November.”
“While it may have been possible to go ahead logistically, it is important not to create any distraction or use valuable resources that are much better served supporting the local community.”
“We have a number of Formula E team members who have been working on the ground in Valencia over the past week, and we want to personally thank them for everything they’ve done, and continue to do, to support the area.”
“The pre-season test is an important moment in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar ahead of Season 11 starting in São Paulo on 6-7 December, as it allows us to check the new Gen3 Evo cars for safety, and also to establish that we can safely and effectively deploy new technologies.”
“We have also planned for the first-ever women’s test to take place during this event.”
“Therefore, we have taken the decision to secure an alternative location, and Circuit del Jarama in Madrid will host both the FIA Formula E Official Test and the Women’s Test next week, scheduled for Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 November.”
“The full event schedule will be confirmed in due course, as we navigate a number of logistical and operational challenges which will determine if it’s possible to move our test operations to Madrid within this timeframe.”
“Our first thoughts are with the community of Valencia. The city has a special place in our hearts: it has been ever-present on our calendar since 2017, and we have recently moved our operations base there. It is like a second home for Formula E. We will support the community to recover from these tragic events in any way we can, and ensure that while our testing continues in Madrid, it is done with the utmost sensitivity.”
An update regarding our pre-season test in Valencia.
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) October 31, 2024
Valencia is also set to host the MotoGP season finale on November 17. MotoGP organisers are assessing the situation and determining the appropriate response, as some riders have expressed concerns about proceeding with the event given the region’s current state.
