Jorge Martin’s bid for victory at the Spanish MotoGP in Jerez faltered after a blistering opening lap, as rear grip problems ultimately prevented him from challenging for the top positions. Despite starting from tenth on the grid—following a three-place penalty—Martin surged forward, reaching fourth position within the opening corners.
The 2024 MotoGP champion’s prospects looked bright when Marc Marquez crashed, promoting Martin to third and raising hopes of a potential win. “I made a super start and was already fourth after a few corners,” Martin reflected. “I was really happy and thought at that point ‘maybe you can win this race.’”
However, Martin’s pace soon dropped off as rear tyre grip deteriorated, allowing Fabio di Giannantonio to overtake him for the final podium spot. “But afterwards the feeling with the rear tyre was the worst of the weekend and I couldn’t match the pace of the podium guys,” he explained. “I was sliding too much and I couldn’t go any faster. I was stuck there, just controlling a bit Johann Zarco and Raul Fernandez behind.”
With his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi finishing second to Alex Marquez, Martin now trails Bezzecchi by 11 points in the championship battle.
Looking ahead, Martin aims to address his rear grip issues during Monday’s official test at Jerez. “I’m really happy that tomorrow we have a test. There are a few parts that I’m not using still on the bike that maybe for sure they will help me because the other riders are using them. So, I think I can make another step,” he said. “I just need time to adjust to them and we can make a back-to-back about the set-up also because maybe I need to put a bit more weight on the rear.”
As the MotoGP paddock prepares for Le Mans, Martin is determined to resolve his technical setbacks and rejoin the fight for race wins in the rounds ahead.
