Formula E received widespread praise across the paddock for its successful last-minute move to Madrid for pre-season testing following the horrific flooding in Valencia.

Last Thursday it was confirmed that no testing would take place in the Spanish city due to the natural disaster that left over 200 people dead and several still missing.

In an effort that should not be underestimated, the all-electric series managed to move the test drives north of the Spanish capital to the Circuito de Jarama, where Formula 1 was last held in 1981.

The cancellation of testing in Valencia presented a logistical nightmare which FE heroically managed to ensure all eleven teams could complete the much-needed run ahead of the season opener on December 7th.

Several drivers talking RacingNews365He praised the World Cup for its response and handling of a situation that no one could have predicted.

“Formula E has done it and all the teams have done a great job to get this test going,” said McLaren’s Sam Bird.

“Of course it’s also nice that Formula E continues to try to support Valencia. What we saw there was shocking and devastating, and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected there.”

“But for Formula E to be able to turn things around and bring it here and do it in good spirits and with Valencia in mind is great.”

While the test has moved to Madrid, Valencia remains in the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the FE paddock.

Before the first test session began, a minute's silence was held on the grid, attended by drivers, teams, FE staff and world media.

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Biggest success?

FE is a category that many are often quick to criticize, sometimes rightly, sometimes not. On this occasion there cannot be enough praise.

Moving everything from Valencia to Madrid in just under 72 hours and starting testing on time is perhaps the greatest achievement these categories have ever achieved.

To bring the necessary equipment to Madrid, RacingNews365 has learned that a total of 37 trips were made with 12 trucks between Valencia and the Spanish capital.

“It’s hard to comprehend how impressive it was from FE and FIA and all the teams,” Jaguar’s Mitch Evans said.

“Literally, Thursday through Friday (last week), things started to confirm and change, and here we are today, Tuesday, and everything is set.”

“Considering the circumstances and Valencia, it is important to get a lot out of there too. Firstly, they were badly affected there, so it's really sad not to be there and sad just for the local community.”

Despite having to frantically move locations and transport a significant amount of cargo for not only the test but also the opening rounds, FE has ensured that Valencia's recovery remains a priority.

“Unbelievable,” said Evans’ teammate Nick Cassidy. “Of course, enormous preparatory work is required to be able to hold these events.

“So for me to be able to move this round and change it at the last minute is really impressive. Also very considerate considering what is happening in Valencia.”

“As far as I know, Formula E is very supportive of Valencia and doesn’t want to disrupt anything in terms of recovery or anything like that that gets in the way of people’s everyday lives.”