Reigning MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia says he is willing to effectively forfeit his shot at the 2024 title rather than take part in a Valencia finale.
Bagnaia had already suggested coming into this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix that, with the Valencia region devastated by floods that have brought on a death toll that currently officially stands at 158 alongside the destruction of homes and other crucial infrastructure, it would be "wrong" for MotoGP to go ahead with holding its season finale at traditional end-of-year venue Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The two-time champion believes that, even if the circuit is determined to be in a fit state to host the race, the "party" atmosphere of a MotoGP season-closer would be unthinkable following so soon from the tragedies suffered by the region this week.
Both FIM president Jorge Viegas and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna, have confirmed that the series' priority is to get the season's 20th round in in Valencia - unless the local government deems that it cannot go ahead.
But while that decision is still pending, Bagnaia has escalated his rhetoric.
On the heels of topping Friday practice at Sepang, he told Italian media that he is firmly opposed to racing in Valencia and would be willing to sacrifice his title shot.
"I don't think it's right to race in Valencia, in any case," he said. "I really hope they take into consideration the fact that on an ethical level, with what's happening, it's not the right situation to do it, the right thing.
"I say this even at the cost of losing what for me is the maximum objective, which is to win the title. I'm not willing to race in Valencia."
Bagnaia's response can be interpreted as either a plea to MotoGP not to push on with a Valencia finale - even if that costs him crucial races in overturning the current 17-point gap to rival Jorge Martin - or even a full-on threat not to attend if the round does take place.
Three years ago, Bagnaia pleaded with MotoGP not to go ahead with the Italian Grand Prix race at Mugello following the death of Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier as a result of a crash that same weekend.
The race did take place and Bagnaia, after some apparent hesitation, took the start from pole, before crashing out immediately.
Mir: Riders should be 'united' over this
"The information that I have is that it looks like we will go," said Honda rider Joan Mir.
"It's what I heard. But... well, personally, I have my opinion about it. Every time it seems that the situation is getting worse, they discover more chaos. Morally, to go there, it's not, let's say... very... morally correct, I would say. But we have to know a bit all the scenario. We have to understand a bit all.
"If we go there and the reality is that we help the city, I agree completely. But if the reality is that we make some problem for the city, and they stop doing things that are a lot more important than a racing weekend, I don't agree with going there."
Mir and Bagnaia aren't alone in having put their unease on record, and Mir said that MotoGP riders can have an influence on how the situation plays out if they presented a "united" front.
He expected the topic come up in the usual Friday meeting of the MotoGP Safety Commission.
