– Jorge Martin speaks extensively after his victory in the Moto GP Sprint at Le Mans about the aggressive start phase as well as handling his Aprilia. The Spaniard emphasizes both his personal development and the challenges during the sprint.
Read more 24h Nürburgring 2026 live on TV on Nitro: TV times overview
The start was an important factor, Martin explains, but what came after was decisive. “It definitely helped a lot to be fast at the beginning, but from there the real race started. I had to push a lot. Even though I had control and could keep the gap to Pecco, it wasn’t easy to be that fast.”
Martin continues: “When I started to think, I made mistakes in the last three or four laps. When I’m in this flow, it goes better. But qualifying remains a problem, I have to keep working on that.”
Aggressive start lays the foundation
In the first corners, the Spaniard gained seven positions. Asked how much of that was luck or skill, the “Martinator” answers openly: “That’s hard to say. Maybe I was lucky because from eighth on the grid it’s impossible to predict what the others will do. The start itself was very good, that was skill. Then I found the right spot, maybe that was luck too. But the braking point at the exit was planned.”
When asked if it was his best start ever, the Spaniard disagrees. “No, I don’t think so. I just found good lines and good spots, but I think Qatar 2021 from 15th to 3rd was better.”
His overtaking maneuvers in the first corners were the result of concentration and decision-making. “It’s a mix of determination, decision, and concentration. It’s not about just taking off and seeing what happens. It’s about control over the motorcycle.”
Early surprise at the front
He himself did not expect to be leading after just a few corners. “I never thought I’d be first after two corners. Maybe I thought about fourth or fifth place, but then I just kept pushing.”
Read more IndyCar Indianapolis GP: Mick Schumacher out in Q1 — Palou on pole
Taking the lead briefly put him in an unfamiliar situation. “I was a bit in shock, honestly. Especially five or six laps before the end I just thought I have to somehow finish the race. I didn’t think much, I just rode.”
At the same time, he emphasizes his learning process with the Aprilia. “I’m learning better and better where I can use the bike and where not. Today we changed something in the setup without testing it beforehand, but I understand the Aprilia better and better.”
Bezzecchi – “Didn’t expect it to be him”
Marco Bezzecchi is surprised by Martin’s rocket start: “I heard a noise, so I expected an overtaking maneuver at the change of direction. Of course, I didn’t expect it to be him. I was quite surprised by his start, but he always starts very, very fast,” explains Bezzecchi.
The Italian also admits a small own mistake in the decisive phase that cost him a better defensive position: “Unfortunately, I made a small mistake because I went past first, but then I had a strong wobble because I really didn’t brake properly to enter the corner.
I went a bit wide and was therefore not in a good position for braking in the chicane. Still, he was very, very strong.”
- MotoGPMotoGP live ticker Le Mans: Unfit! Marc Marquez out injured
- MotoGPMarc Marquez: Broken foot in Le Mans crash and planned shoulder surgery
- IndyCarIndyCar Indianapolis GP: Mick Schumacher out in Q1 – Palou on pole
- Formula 1Expert: Adrian Newey should never have become Aston Martin team principal
For tomorrow’s French Grand Prix, Martin remains cautiously optimistic. “Tomorrow we have to be ready to go one hundred percent and be prepared for all conditions. It will be a difficult day.”
Read more WEC Spa 2026: BMW achieves breakthrough with maiden victory
