Italy's double MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia said Friday that he will refuse to take part in the season-ending Grand Prix in two weeks' time if organizers keep the race in Valencia in the wake of the devastating floods in the Spanish city and the surrounding region that have killed at least 158 people.
"I am not willing to race in Valencia, even at the cost of losing my ultimate goal, which is to win the world title," Ducati-factory-team rider Bagnaia, who trails championship leader Jorge Martin by 17 points, told reporters at the Sepang circuit after clocking the fastest time in practice ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
"I don't think it's right (to hold the race in Valencia).
"I really hope they consider that, on an ethical level and given what is happening, going to race there is not the right thing.
"Even at the cost of losing the world championship, I am not willing to take to the track there".
Other riders, including Spaniard Martin of the Pramac Ducati team, have also said the race should be moved.
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