Jorge Martin arrived at Misano with a haul of 23 points, this is the gap from Bagnaia after the terrible weekend that saw the Italian end up in the gravel together with Alex Marquez. An advantage to protect, not an easy challenge because the playing field was one of the difficult ones, Misano is an Italian circuit, one of the home circuits for Bagnaia.
A successful undertaking, despite his rival’s pole, because Jorge Martin was the protagonist of a fantastic start in the race. The rider from Madrid thus placed himself firmly in the lead of the race and in the following 13 laps he kept his rival at bay by closing the trajectories and maintaining high concentration, avoiding mistakes that had already cost him dearly in the past. And while on the one hand Bagnaia’s frustration for the missed opportunity is understandable, on the other Jorge Martin enjoyed the mental boost that is allowing him to face this last part of the season in much better conditions than last year.
The victory in the sprint thus interrupts a long series of second places, but the double appointment in Misano promises more sparks between the two. In the meantime, Franco Morbidelli’s return to the podium could become a curious and unexpected swing vote in the all-Ducati challenge, with the Italian-Brazilian torn between personal success, the interests of the team and the friendship that binds him to the current world champion. The Spaniard therefore addresses him with honeyed words, in the hope that in the heat of the moment the Spaniard doesn’t get caught up in it too…
After leaving, what was your first thought, had the bulk of the work been done?
“I was actually already thinking about the next corner, there were still 13 laps to go – Jorge Martin says – but yes, the start was incredible. I was very focused on closing the trajectories and defending the first position. From that moment I started to keep a high pace trying to keep Pecco at a distance. It wasn’t easy but I did it, I’m very satisfied with how we worked today”.
But the start was the key to this race.
“Yes, but it wasn’t the only one – the Spaniard replies amusedly – closing all the corners well also made the difference. Even with a good start you can finish the race eighth, you have to be perfect in every aspect. Tomorrow things will certainly be more difficult”.
You are a great lover of sprints, you have won fifteen of them, but this was perhaps the most important on Pecco’s home circuit.
“A victory is a victory, winning is always important, as it was last year. It’s clear that winning here in Italy is important, not only for me but also for the team and for Ducati. But I don’t think too much about all that, my only thought is linked to the victory itself. Winning tomorrow will not be easy though”.
You’ve gained further ground on Pecco in the standings, now your lead has risen to 26 points.
“It’s not important for me at the moment, the important thing is to continue to give 100%. I don’t know if I’ll be able to repeat myself tomorrow, but I think I have a good chance, the pace is good and the race is longer. I was coming from a series of second places, so I’m very happy with this win, but I think second place would have been good too. However, I would like to win tomorrow too, I’ve never won two years in a row on the same circuit, it’s another challenge in my career that I hope to achieve tomorrow”.
How would you rate your performance today?
“Ten out of ten, considering I started fourth. I made a mistake on the second lap, I went wide and got a warning. From that moment on I was afraid of repeating the mistake and I increased my concentration in drawing my lines. However, I think I still have margin in some corners so tomorrow maybe I can improve further.”
In Germany you fell with Pecco chasing you, here you didn’t make the same mistake: a step forward also in mentality?
“You always have to try to improve yourself, I think I’ve improved, now I feel less stressed in these types of situations. If tomorrow the same situation were to arise again and he managed to beat me I’d say good for him.”
Franco Morbidelli also returned to the podium today.
“The team lacks nothing, it’s a great team and I’m happy for ‘Frankie’, he hasn’t been on the podium for a long time (since 2021) so I’m very happy for him.”
The possibility that Morbidelli could be the deciding factor in the challenge between the Spaniard and Bagnaia is now becoming more concrete.
“I don’t need any external help, the only thing you ask of your teammate, if there’s a fight, is that you don’t throw yourself to the ground. For the rest, I wish him a great result tomorrow too, as long as there’s no contact”.
In fact, our thoughts go to Phillip Island last year, when Zarco took away precious points from him during the fight for the title.
“I wasn’t thinking about that episode, but sometimes when you’re fighting for the win it’s hard to think about anything else, but between teammates you’re usually careful…”
Ph.D. © PierLuca Brunetti
