Motor Sports

Dorna choose Barcelona to host final round of MotoGP

SEPANG: MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports is hoping to move the final round of the World Championships to Barcelona.

Dorna Sports chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta said that they have already been in contact with the government of Catalunya regarding their intent and are hoping to receive a confirmation soon.

The final round of the World Championships was initially scheduled to be held in Valencia on Nov 15-17 but will now likely be held in Barcelona on the same dates.

The Valencia GP has been cancelled following the serious flooding that occurred there earlier this week. Hundreds of people have lost their lives.

"We thought it was important to tell the riders - especially those in contention - before they went on track (at Sepang) yesterday, to confirm that there would be another event on the calendar," said Ezpeleta today.

"It has been a very challenging couple of days, especially for the people of Valencia.

"We believe we owe it to both the fans as well as the paddock (to hold the final round).

"We looked at all the possibilities and we think Barcelona is the best possible place, given its proximity to Valencia.

"We think we will also be able to help Valencia from there. That is why we have requested to the government of Catalunya to hold the event there (Barcelona).

"They (Catalunya government) want to communicate and align themselves with the government of Spain and Valencia before confirming the event. We hope that confirmation comes within the next 48 hours.

"But ultimately, the urgency now is Valencia (relief efforts) and not the GP."

It is believed that besides Barcelona, Qatar and Portimao had also been considered as replacement venues for the final round.

The penultimate round of the championships - the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia - concluded at Sepang Circuit with Francesco Bagnaia winning the main race today.

Championship leader Jorge Martin won the sprint race yesterday and now heads into the final round with a 24 point advantage over second-placed Bagnaia.

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