Jorge Martin between pride and caution: the Spaniard puts Aprilia on alert ahead of Jerez
Marco Bezzecchi took his fifth consecutive win in a Sunday Gp in Austin, but behind him Jorge Martin, who had prevailed in the Sprint (with Bez retired) finished a brilliant second. The Spaniard is now second in the riders’ standings with 77 points, four lengths right behind his teammate. Aprilia is experiencing a decidedly positive moment, but the standard bearer of the house of Noale, who spoke to the microphones of Dazn, expects that starting from Jerez one of the competitors will come roaring back.
“If I have to be honest I expected to be really ready to win. I tried to take an opportunity and focused on making a good start, then I made the decision to stay behind the leaders for a few laps, which maybe then paid off. When I tried to pass Pedro I saw that that extra from the first few laps I didn’t have it anymore. In fact, I even risked falling. Fortunately, something happened to him, maybe at the level of tire pressure, because he let me pass.”
As for physical condition, Martin admitted that he is still not one hundred percent: “My coach will have work to do to get me right, especially at the level of my left arm, but in general I’m very happy with how it went, also because I’m still not at my best. I was able to give everything since Friday and then fight for the win on Sunday. I left it all on the track, that makes me proud.”
The Spaniard also experienced a spectacular duel with compatriot Pedro Acosta, which left him with a feeling of déjà vu: “I was a little over the limit when I tried to pass Pedro, but it helped me to get back into my rhythm. Four consecutive podiums are incredible, they remind me a lot of 2024. We have to continue with this mentality race after race, then it’s clear that we have to improve in qualifying, because that’s where a lot of what happens in the race is decided.”
Jorge Martin also said that starting in Jerez there will be a major opponent: “I think now comes the hardest part of the year: we have to face two-three races with a low profile, continuing to collect points. Whether it’s a fifth or an eighth place, any result will be good, because it’s clear that so far I’ve done very well, but in Jerez Ducati will be competitive again.” In addition, the Spaniard added, “The season finale is usually my time, but I don’t want to look too far ahead: I’ve already done much more than I expected.”
Finally, the Aprilia rider also added a curiosity: “I thank all the people who help me and my family: from my grandfather, who is watching me from up there, to all my relatives, who are glued to the television. There are those who are doing ‘foil’ and not eating chocolate, with the hope that this way I can get on the podium: I thank them all.”
