SEPANG: Championship contenders Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia have both made it clear they would prefer not to race in Valencia out of respect to the flood victims there.
Valencia is scheduled to host the final round of the MotoGP World Championships on Nov 15-17 but suffered serious flooding yesterday after seeing a year's worth of rainfall in eight hours, according to reports.
At least 95 people have lost their lives.
Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) said it is a matter of ethics.
"It is important to talk about what is happening in Valencia. They are living their worst dream and we have to be close to them," said Bagnaia during a press conference at Sepang Circuit today.
"The most difficult part for me is the ethics (in this situation). This is because racing there (would be) like a party, like a moment to enjoy.
"Knowing the situation there now is a horror. We always have to be super respectful about what is happening as everybody is living under the same sky.
"If it was my choice, I would choose not to race there. But I am not the one to decide. I hope whatever Dorna (MotoGP rights holders) decide, it is good and fair.
"I think we have many other options to try."
Bagnaia, who trails championship leader Martin by 17 points, however, does not agree with cancelling the final round.
"I don't think that would be fair but again, I am not the one to decide," he added.
Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), who is seeking his maiden MotoGP title, added that he would prefer to race at Assen if Dorna decides to move the race away from Valencia.
"I think the best situation would be to race elsewhere. I think Dorna will make the best decision," said Martin during the same press conference.
"It is very difficult to say which track (to go to) as Valencia would have been the best place to race. But if I had to choose, it would be Assen."
Martin added that he hopes a decision will be made soon to allow the riders to prepare themselves.
The duo will be racing at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia which begins tomorrow.