Martin: “I didn’t expect that when I arrived here”

When he was in Moto3, Jorge Martin became known for his skills on a flying lap. From his first pole position in Qatar in 2017 (established after the accumulation of three free practice sessions; qualifying having been canceled due to rain) until his last today, the Madrilenian has totaled 23 (2 in MotoGP, 1 in Moto2 and 20 in Moto3). Moreover, in Moto3, Martin is still the record holder…

And this Saturday at Spielberg, the Ducati rider became the first beginner in the category to score more than one pole position since fabio quartararo in 2019. The Frenchman will accompany him on the front row on Sunday. “ It was a good day for me, rejoices Martin. Usually I'm pretty competitive here, but in MotoGP everything is different. I didn't think I would perform so well, but already this morning I felt competitive with the medium tire. When I passed the software, I was close to the outposts. In FP4, I also felt comfortable and I told myself that this is one of those days to take pole position. "

But precisely, against Quartararo, the watch (reward given to the author of pole position) was far from being won in advance for Martin who almost made a mistake. “ During the first run, I attacked, but I made a lot of mistakes, He says. Even though I bit into the green, I posted a lap in 1'23.1, which wasn't so bad. And during the second run, I gave my best and pushed the limits. And even though I got scared and almost fell, I managed to hold the bike. To finish on pole is incredible and I didn't expect that when I arrived here. I'm happy and ready for tomorrow. »

Take a ride with @ 88jorgemartin at the #StyrianGP 🏁 as he breaks the all time lap record 🔥

Remember, predict next weekend's pole lap time to win amazing prizes with @TISSOT 🎁 Enter here 👉 https://t.co/NKrcJcCKzG pic.twitter.com/kfKzpcUzpM

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 7

Martin's first pole position in the premier class dates back to Doha, the second event on the calendar at the end of which he climbed onto the podium. At the next meeting in Portugal, Martin crashed heavily during the third free practice session. Injured in his legs and hands (eight broken bones in total), he was sidelined from the circuits until the Catalan GP.

Suffice to say that the five-week break was good for the Spaniard in getting back into shape. “ The summer break was very beneficial for me, says Martin. I had to abandon at Assen due to my physical condition. I was angry with myself. And I managed to turn that into motivation and I worked a lot during the summer. I'm not 100% yet, but I feel very good. »

thanks @ 88jorgemartin is conscious and recovering in hospital following this crash 💢

We hope to see the @pramacracing rider back on track at Jerez! 👊#PortugueseGP 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/DqIKu5tcLZ

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) April 17, 2021

Last year, Martin won the first Moto2 race at Red Bull Ring. He crossed the finish line from second in first position before being downgraded to second for exceeding the track limits. On a circuit where Ducati has five victories in six races, the representative of the Pramac team has every chance of becoming the first rookie winner in MotoGP since Brad Binder last year in Brno.