Duel in Barcelona

MotoGP finale in the wake of a catastrophe

The title rivals recently posed with the flag of the Valencia region(Bild: AFP/AFP or licensors)

The motorcycle stronghold of Barcelona stands in for the devastated Valencia. Gustl Auinger knows what this means for the championship duel and why Jorge Martin should not be congratulated on his MotoGP title just yet.

Solidarity - this is the slogan under which the final of the Motorcycle World Championship will take place from Friday. Around 350 kilometers further north-east than originally planned, because the Circuit de Catalunya on the outskirts of Barcelona is standing in for Valencia. Devastating floods there a few weeks ago caused more than 200 deaths and severe damage to the MotoGP circuit.