Jorge Martin is in a bullish mood as he heads into the penultimate race of the 2024 MotoGP season.
The championship leader has a 17-point advantage over the current world champion Francesco Bagnaia going into this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix.
Last year, he arrived at the season finale trailing Ducati’s Bagnaia by 21 points but still had an outside shot at the title until he crashed in the main race in Valencia.
This time however, he leads the pack with two rounds to go and says he has learned his lessons from last year’s mistake. In an interview with Autosport, he said: “Everything is okay. I am nervous, but this is normal. The past is important. I learned a lot during my career, but also last season was really good in terms of learning.
“I approached [a] very different situation. It is different arriving in first [in the standings this year], but last year was much more tense and focusing on the final goal I made a mistake, so it is now a bit different and I think we are more prepared.”
To its credit, Ducati has promised a fair fight between the team’s factory rider Bagnaia and Martin, who will leave the Pramac Ducati squad next season to join Aprilia. The Spanish rider is grateful that Ducati has given him the opportunity to fight for the title and believes he and Bagnaia keep their championship duel cordial.
Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“It is a respectful relationship with Pecco. We are not friends, but we are good to each other,” he explained. “There is always no problem. We don’t have [a] relationship outside of the races, but during the races we met each other during the weekend, we speak about the race or about the practice or whatever. So I think it’s quite good.
“We have known each other from 10 years already. So this is also important.
“I don’t think we need to be angry to each other because we are racing motorbikes. We just race at our 100% on track, but outside, we can be good with each other. Everything is quite clear for the future. I’m really grateful to Ducati because, even if I’m not continuing here, they let me have the best package. I hope everything will be the same.”
Despite admitting to nerves, the 26-year-old appears remarkably relaxed as he bids to win his first title since the 2018 Moto3 championship – a reflection of the change in his mindset compared to last year’s title defeat.
“It is already a big privilege…
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