Jorge Martín grew up in an urbanization that is right next to turn one of the Jarama circuit, and what for some was an infernal noise, for him was heavenly music that filtered through the window of his room. Since then he dreamed of being MotoGP world champion, and yesterday he achieved it at the Circuit Barcelona Catalunya.
He has been in the premier class, MotoGP, for four years. Some motorcycles that yesterday reached the end of the straight at more than 350 km/hour. In 2021 he suffered a fall on the Portimao circuit that led him to question whether it was really worth continuing to fight. And he decided that it was worth continuing to try.
Helped and supported by his family, friends, team and psychologists, this year we have seen the best version of a guy who has matured. Simple, generous, humble and fast, very fast. With seven victories in short races (Sprint) and 3 Grand Prix, yesterday he knew how to make his career, after managing, with wisdom and temperance, a weekend as difficult as it was exciting, which he arrived with 24 points over Peco Bagnaia.
Jorge Martín, First World Champion of the MotoGP era with a satellite team
Did you think you could win the world championship on Saturday after the Sprint Race?
“No. I always trusted more in Sunday’s race. Saturday was difficult and I didn’t want to rush it. But it was complicated to manage because I saw that Pecco fitted a hard tire, that confused me. I rode the soft one and I thought he rode the hard one to confuse me. The good and bad thing about Ducati is that we all share information. But then we are all competitive.”
A favorable clue for you?
“A very difficult track, especially because of the grip conditions. Typically, all courts have the same grip and you can work with a more solid base. Here we practically had to make a different map for the curve. “We raced in Catalonia six months ago, but nothing worked compared to then.”
Who was more nervous, you or Peco?
“Ask him. I have been very calm. In training I was always in the “top five” with little time to train and many tires to test, but satisfied. I had the feeling of being prepared for everything.”
Did you talk to your friend Aleix Espargaró about whether he could help you in the race?
“No. I simply thought that, if Aleix wanted to give me a hand, I had to take advantage of it.”
Any particularly tense moments?
“Several. Before going out in the qualifiers I was very nervous. Then I slept a little, drank a lot of water, took a shower. In the short race I controlled risks.”
Did you sleep well Saturday night?
“Yeah. I usually sleep seven and a half hours, maybe I slept a little less but fine.”
What was the most difficult part of Sunday’s race?
“The last laps were very difficult, tears came to my eyes. A lot of emotion, a very long race, but I was prepared. I had time to think about many things, but especially about my family. The last six laps were the most complicated.”
Who is this title for?
“This goes to my people, my team, my friends, everyone who supports me. I already said on Thursday that the title was not going to change my life, but so many things came to mind that I was afraid of losing concentration. The title goes to all those people who feel identified in my thanks.”
Jorge Martín and his new stage at Aprilia
You leave Ducati to become an official Aprilia rider.
“I have had doubts, but in the end they have never let me down. I have to be grateful. For 2025 they have made another election, but I cannot control that. I only focus on what is under my control: driving. But even before the race I asked Gigi Dall’Igna for help and he gave it to me. Even in the most critical moment they have helped me. At Ducati they have put incredible contracts on the table for me. “Life goes on and I am very happy with what is coming.”
¿Has Team Pramac been something special?
“Yeah. I am very grateful and glad I didn’t go anywhere else. I have won the world cup with them. They deserve it. And they are going to take it home for life.”
In the Circuit it was all your family…
“My family has been my most important pillar. I can’t forget everything they have done for me to get here. We are a middle class family. “I don’t forget those days with the minibikes training in a parking lot in San Sebastián de los Reyes or Alcobendas, making food with a camping kitchen.”
Your father?
“My father is not someone who cries a lot, but we cried together. Both my father and my mother have suffered to keep going when I had no idea what a crisis was, what it was like to be unemployed. All my closest family and also the Pramac team have been fundamental.”
Red Bull Rookies Cup, the start of everything
What do you think when you remember that ten years ago if you didn’t win the Red Bull Rookies Cup you couldn’t continue competing due to lack of resources?
“I think that kid was mentally stronger than I thought. Over the years you develop fears, you have a lot of information that is difficult to manage. We reach the elite very young and it is like a box of bombs that can explode anywhere. But thanks to the education that my parents have given me and to work, I have been able to get here.”
Pecco Bagnaia?
“He is an incredible person. We have a lot of respect for each other. It forces me to push myself to the limit. It’s nice to think that years ago we shared a room and that now we are winning world championships.”
