MotoGP Rumor: Barcelona to replace Valencia for 2024 finale

MotoGP has settled on the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona as its new 2024 season finale venue following the cancellation of the Valencia round due to severe flooding.

An announcement is set to come within 48 hours from series bosses Dorna to confirm that the Barcelona track will hold the replacement for the Valencian Grand Prix, following devastating flooding and the death of hundreds of people.

Following the Friday confirmation of the Valencia round being called off, the leading contender to replace it was believed to have been Qatar’s Lusail circuit – but with significantly greater costs associated with an overseas race, that idea was vetoed by Moto2 and Moto3 teams worried about budget, prompting Dorna’s home circuit in Barcelona to instead be selected, according to The Race.

MotoGP has already confirmed the plans informally, and says it is simply awaiting government sign-off to be able to make the Barcelona finale official.

Given the two-week time frame to the final round, preparations for the race are already said to be in full swing, with paddock passes and bike identification stickers being issued to teams as part of the logistical setup. The final round is scheduled to proceed as planned from November 15-17. However, it remains unconfirmed whether the post-season test will also be held at this venue.