Formula E has cancelled its Valencia pre-season test in light of the horrific flash flooding in the region and will instead head to fellow Spanish circuit Jarama.
At least 155 people have died in Valencia and its surrounding areas since devastating floods hit parts of Spain on Wednesday, with that total expected to rise further.
Valencia's Circuit Ricardo Tormo has hosted Formula E's pre-season tests since 2017 and this year was due to host the first public outing for the Gen3 Evo car design that will be used for the next two seasons.
But damage to some of the circuit's facilities - notably its main access road - and consideration for the wider situation meant it soon became clear that holding the test there was impossible.
The series formally announced on Thursday evening that it wouldn't be heading to Valencia.
Its place will instead be taken by the Jarama circuit, approximately 20 miles north of Madrid.
Running at the former Formula 1 grand prix venue, which is now primarily used for testing and national series, will still take place across four days but commence a day later, running from November 5-8.
"We have all been monitoring the tragic situation in Valencia, where flash floods have devastated the region and claimed many lives," a statement from Formula E read.
"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 Circuit 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."
In addition to the now abandoned Formula E test, Valencia is also due to host the MotoGP season finale on November 17.
Though MotoGP is awaiting further information before determining its next steps, a number of riders in the premier class have expressed their belief that hosting a round at Valencia two weeks after that devastation would not be right.
