The leader of the MotoGP world championship was a guest in the Sky Sport studios: “We are doing something incredible with the team, but at the moment I’m not thinking about the final victory because it’s missing so much. Compared to previous years I’m keeping calm more. Rumors about the future ? For me it’s not pressure, I had that when I was a rookie and I risked being left without a saddle. My dream is to go to the Ducati factory and win with them. Respect and admiration for Bagnaia.
THE WORLD RANKING
From the brace of Le Manswith successes in both the Sprint and the long race, at the Sky Sport studios. Jorge Martinleader of the MotoGP world championship, spoke about himself and commented on this splendid start to the season which sees him with a 38 point advantage over world champion Pecco Bagnaia.
The words of Jorge Martin on Sky Sport
First double of the season at Le Mans and many emotions felt…
“I arrived in France in good shape, it’s hard not to get emotional when reviewing the images from the weekend. The truth is that we are doing something incredible with the Pramac team…”.
You were effective in many aspects this weekend and also your naturalness in riding the GP24 which now seems tailor-made for you…
“Yes, we had a few problems with some vibrations in the first races, but finally in France I found the sensations of last year. Now I know the bike and I know where we can go by working more on the details and not on the problems. I think this was the turning point of the season.”
How much do you believe in the final victory of this world championship?
“There’s still a lot missing, I don’t think about it now. I always give 100%, sometimes I’m stronger and other times less. My goal is always to do my best. I want to make the most of every moment and have fun, not just think about the final victory. If at the end of the year there will obviously be the possibility of trying to win the world championship, but now I’m not thinking about it.”
Of course the balance compared to a year ago is completely different: last season after 5 races you had 80 points, today 129… You say that every year you add a little piece, this season which one did you add?
“I was never strong at the beginning of the year, I don’t know why. I always needed some time to get into a rhythm with the bike. In this championship I focused a lot on this aspect and worked a lot mentally. Now the “It’s important to continue like this, but I think that both as a rider and as a person I’ve made a good step forward.”
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Is this a different Martin this year?
“In reality I haven’t changed that much. I’m someone who thinks a lot when I’m on a motorbike, I don’t just go by instinct. In fact, sometimes I think too much when I ride and I’ve worked a lot on this: understanding when what I think is useful or not. Now I feel calmer, especially in the garage. When something happens to the bike I understand that there is no need to shout or argue with my team, because they want to win like I want it. But in the race I’m the same and, fortunately, it’s working.”
You’re also handling all the rumors about your future very well
“Yes, but for me this isn’t pressure. I had pressure when I was a rookie and if I didn’t win I risked losing the possibility of riding a motorbike. Let’s say I did a good amount of training in the past… Of course, I I would like to already have a clear idea of my future, but in the end good things take time and we have to wait a bit.”
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So you don’t tell us today what your future will be?
“Unfortunately I don’t know, I’d like to tell you. I think it’s not long now, everything should be decided within these two races. But I don’t think that much will change for me: in Barcelona or at Mugello you will always see the same rider on the track”.
How much do Bagnaia and Marc Marquez stimulate you?
“A lot. I’m fighting with incredible champions: Marquez 8 world titles, Pecco 3. Winning against these riders is beautiful and also stimulates me for the future. I don’t think I have to prove anything, because I’ve already done it. Now I’m racing for myself and to get results. I think all the riders want to get to a factory team and I think it’s the right time for me to do it. It would be a bit like a closing circle…”.
You have already been Bagnaia’s teammate in Moto3, what is your relationship?
“Very good, we respect each other a lot. We see each other often and always talk. In Moto3 it was more of a ‘game’, we slept in the same room for two years and we were very, very friends. Now we fight for the same things and there is more rivalry , but the relationship is one of respect and admiration, because he has done incredible things.”
Do you think that victories in the Sprints can make the difference at the end of the season?
“When Saturday arrives and I have had a good qualifying, I know that if I give my best for 6-7 laps it will be difficult for the others to keep up with me. And this gives me a lot of confidence. Instead on Sunday there are many things to manage and you can’t push hard, because otherwise you won’t be able to finish the race. I’m improving a lot even in the long race.”
What do you do in your spare time?
“I really like my lifestyle. I train, I live a healthy lifestyle. And there is also a lot of rest, because I have to recover my energy. When I have some free time I like to go out with friends, go to dinner outside, drinking wine (I really like it…) and eating. Especially cured meats!”.
You gave the Prima Pramac team their first MotoGP victory, what would it mean for you to also give them their first world title?
“It would be fulfilling my and my family’s lifelong dream and then it would be making history because no one has ever won it with a satellite team. It would be incredible, for Paolo and for the whole team of which I am very proud…”
You gave us a title: “First Pramac… and then the rest”
“They gave me the opportunity and the confidence that I needed in 2021. I think this cycle is over and now I have to look forward: my dream is to go to the official Ducati and win with them. Let’s hope that happens…”.
