Pre-season testing relocated to Madrid after terrible floods in Valencia

La Formula E has chosen the voice of reason. The current situation in the Valencia region, affected by terrible floods that have claimed more than 150 victims according to the latest report this Friday, did not allow the hosting of the pre-season tests of Season 11, which were planned on the Ricardo Tormo circuit. Facilities on and around the circuit, including access roads, were severely damaged by the sudden and violent rise in water levels. The electric championship has come to the realization that it has become impossible to organize its tests from November 4th.

“We have all been following the tragic situation in Valencia, where flash floods have devastated the region and claimed many lives. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these terrible events and we at Formula E are looking at how we can concretely help the region in these difficult times.”, we can read in the press release published by the championship on Thursday evening.

“Following consultation with local authorities, the FIA ​​and our colleagues at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, we have decided not to proceed with our pre-season test in Valencia, scheduled for 4-7 November. While it would have been possible from a logistical perspective to go ahead, it is important not to create distractions or use valuable resources that are much better used supporting the local community. A number of members of the Formula E team have been working on the ground in Valencia over the past week, and we would like to thank them personally for all they have done, and continue to do, to support the region.”

Jarama as fallback solution for Formula E

The cancellation of these pre-season tests has obviously put Formula E in a state of emergency: in fact, the teams must test the new Gen3 Evo, from a safety and performance point of view, before the start of Season 11 scheduled in São Paulo on December 6. A special half-day dedicated to female pilots was also planned..

However, the electric championship quickly found a fallback solution. Pre-season testing will be relocated to the Jarama circuit in Madrid from Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 November. A one-day delay to allow teams and logistics to reorganise. Testing dedicated to female drivers is also maintained. “The full event programme will be confirmed in due course, as we face a number of logistical and operational challenges that will determine whether it is possible to move our trial operations to Madrid within this timeframe.”, Formula E specifies in its press release.

“Our first thoughts go to the Valencian Community. The city holds a special place in our hearts: it has been ever-present in our calendar since 2017 and we recently moved our operational base there, concludes the discipline. It's like a second home for Formula E. We will support the community as they recover from these tragic events in every way possible, and we will ensure that if our testing is held in Madrid, it is done with the utmost sensitivity."

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