The Final Act: Valencia

There is something quite compelling about the Spanish and their unequivocal bond to the motorsport world. A sense of inevitability in the relationship between man and motorcycle appears to be a totally unrefined evolution in their lives, almost like learning to walk and thats hard enough as is. It only makes sense to conclude the 2018 season in a part of the world where it feels like the number of bikes exceeds the number of cars. We have found our seats and prepared ourselves for the final act of the MotoGP world tour. Our feet are firmly planted in the muddy grounds of The Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana and I dearly hope you’ve brought your wet weather attire, for this year we have rather unusually damp conditions. The weather is customarily quite pleasant with temperatures sitting around 18 degrees but this year we have been welcomed with monsoonal downpours that just wont budge. Standing water has been the issue of the weekend with puddles sitting inside corners causing a slip and slide knock on effect.

Situated on the south-east of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Costa del Azahar, the city of Valencia (‘Valentia’ meaning valor or bravery) is famed for its vibrance and tenacious connection to an array of fine arts and sports. First discovered in 138 BC during the Roman age, this city according to Roman historian Livy, fought against the Iberian rebel, Viriatus and secured the opportunity to evolve into the most populated and affluent metropolis within the Crown of Aragon (a then composite monarchy). Remnants of its past remain on display through the historic city gate Torres de Serranos which stands proudly in the north. Not only does this area bear maze like roadways with contemporary saloons, cafes and restaurants, the ingredients used within these establishments are locally sourced and items like the rice used for a traditional Paella are cultivated in the nearby wetlands. Inland, these fertile villages are boosted by local agriculture which formulate the backbone of the food we love. You will discover stunning bodegas (buildings that produces wine), quirky mercados (markets), works of art splashed over brick walls and hundreds of budding orange trees fringing the pavements of this concrete time capsule. Do yourself a favour and try one of these zesty pleasures because between the perfectly ripe fruit and stunning architecture this place is sure to convince you that the perfect juxtaposition between old worldly and modern grace exists.

Backtrack 91 years to the Catalan Cup, a small road race on the streets of a coastal town called Sitges near Barcelona. It was one of the first indications of motor racing in this part of town and little to their surprise, would be the catalyst for many events to come. In 1908 the racing sphere was only a microcosm of what it has evolved into and it took a now derelict Valencia street circuit and several changes over the Spanish Civil War to reach a fruitful stage in its life. On September 19th, 1999 The Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo was constructed in the town of Cheste near Valencia. The track was formulated into a natural amphitheatre configuration where the grandstands circumnavigated around a small ribbon of tarmac (the second smallest on the calendar after Sachsenring). It grants full visibility to the 120,000 seats available and enables fans to follow the race around the tight five right hand corners, eight left hand corners and the 876m main straight; An experience that is rare to encounter when attending one of these 19 races. When initially established, its aspiration was to become the nucleus of local motorsport and honour native Valencian resident Ricardo Tormo. The two-time 50cc Motorcycle World Champion was forced into early retirement after a grim testing accident in 1984 and unfortunately passed away a year before the unveiling of the venue after his hard fought battle with leukaemia. He became an essential part of the locations identity and remains to be as significant each year since its inauguration. In 2003, 2004 and 2006 the International Road-Racing Teams Association (IRTA) declared the Ricardo Tormo Circuit race ‘The Best of The Year’ and still to this day has remained the grand finale of the MotoGP spectacle. The lifecycle of this pastime has been complex, inevitable and ultimately, very successful.

Not only has this municipality retained its cultural existence in the purest form, it has become a hub and training amenity for the youth of Spain. From the age of 15, boys and girls have the ability to attain their motorcycle license and at age 18 their automobile license. Those three years play a pivotal role in why so many pick two wheels over four. It becomes almost second nature, an indisputable passion that only accelerates with time. Every street you walk or drive on, motorbikes zoom past you and there is an air of relaxation about it. Several workshops and training days have become available with the rise in talent and eagerness to learn. The Valencia circuit has since created training days with the likes of former World Superbike Champion Troy Corser to help pass down knowledge to generations forthcoming. Modern riders like Dani Pedrosa (the most successful rider at Valencia), Jorge Lorenzo and current Champion Marc Marquez have inspired and created even more interest in motorcycle racing. ‘The Race Academy’ works to mould young riders into hopeful professionals and opportunities like the FIM Repsol CEV Championship give young Spanish kids the chance to showcase their talent and continue to improve on a larger platform. This track is also often used for other big events like classic car exhibitions, acrobatic rider competitions, seasonal festivities and road safety courses. It doesn’t just pass as another ‘circuit’, it has attempted to give back and to help the sport grow.

This classical part of the globe seizes undeniable roots to racing and retains a firm position in our history textbooks. They live and breath any kind of two wheeled action and although petite in size, The Circuit Ricardo Tormo packs a punch with its finicky personality. It is technical and you need a little bit of bravery but those who step on track have an endless supply of it. It seems to be that little dash of magic that lies within a large sum of the Spanish population and we as spectators get to enjoy every part of it, literally.

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