Formula E makes vital switch after deadly Spanish flash floods

Formula E has confirmed the cancellation of next week's official pre-season test and the all-female test in Valencia, following horrific flash flooding in eastern Spain, with the event to now take place at the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid.

Valencia is one of the worst-hit areas, with the town of Chiva experiencing a staggering year's worth of rainfall in just eight hours. 

According to Sky News, the flooding has so far killed over 150 people, including children, whilst several others are missing. It is the worst natural disaster to hit Spain in recent memory.

Videos on social media have shown the sheer scale of the flooding and the damage, whilst the entrance to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo has been destroyed. 

The damage and destruction left over 100,000 homes in Valencia without power, with more rain forecast for the remainder of the week and into the start of next week. 

Four Formula E employees were at the circuit when the rain fell but are all safe. The test was hotly anticipated as it would have been the first public viewing of the new Gen3 Evo, the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater. 

A Formula E statement read: "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 Sao 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 Circuito 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."