MotoGP Misano 2 J2, Jorge Martin (Ducati Q2/S2): “If I go faster, it’s going to be a mess”

He couldn't do anything more. Today, during this Sprint at "Misano 2", Jorge Martin simply came across someone stronger than him. The day had started off rather well for the "Martinator". Second on the starting grid, he had not been able to beat Pecco Bagnaia in qualifying but was not doing badly. Then, an excellent start on the short format - the second in two weeks - propelled him into first place, quite far ahead of his pursuers. But his rival did not give up, and a single small error put an end to all his hopes.

As usual, Jorge Martin didn't seem all that bitter after the Sprint. In a format he loves, he couldn't contain local star Pecco Bagnaia. “It was a good race, I started well. I was in front and pushing before crossing the limits of the track. I was distracted by a message about a warning on my dashboard. That's when I became disoriented and lost my braking reference point." the Spaniard said to the microphones of GP One. It only took this slight gap for Bagnaia to rush in and definitively take the lead in this event.

 

 

Afterwards, Martin could not do better than his opponent of the day. He expressed his disappointment, he who is usually so strong in this format: "Pecco pulled away. I managed to close the gap, but I couldn't get back to him. I have a bitter taste because everything was going well, I thought I was going to win but once again Pecco was stronger than me. When I find the rhythm, I can stay in it for a long time, without any problem. But as soon as I pass him, if I go faster, then it becomes a mess. » added the main person concerned. It must be said that Bagnaia pushed him into his entrenchments, and that he was the only one who could resist him in this way.

For tomorrow, he does not admit defeat. Jorge Martin insisted at length on the small gap that separates them: « I can be more solid on the rhythm. I think we are very close, you could see it in the corners. The race strategy will be very important. We can both win, but if I want to be closer, then I will have to attack differently. There are also positives: I usually have trouble keeping up with Pecco, but today I was getting closer. » he said.

 

 

Jorge Martin also saw that it was possible to follow each other without having to suffer a problem related to tire pressure. It is true that these concerns are less present than in 2023, and he noted it: « He was able to follow me, and I also had no problems at the end of the race.. Ironically, it may be better to follow than to lead. This opens up the possibility of having a fight without either pilot escaping. » he concluded.

Do you think Jorge Martin is capable of winning tomorrow against Pecco Bagnaia? Tell us in the comments!

Sprint result at the 2024 MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport