MotoGP Austin J1, Jorge Martin (Ducati/1): "I didn't have the strength to attack two laps in a row, I don't know how I did it"

Given his time on Friday, putting him not only in the lead but also close to his Austin track record that he has held since last year, one would think that Jorge Martin is in top form. In fact, it's quite the opposite. So much so that he questions his ability to cope with this Saturday of qualifying and Sprint. As for Sunday... Each day is enough for the Pramac Ducati rider.

And fortunately, each day that passes makes him less weak. Because we are not yet talking about being stronger… On his situation, George Martin states: “ Thursday, I wouldn't even have been able to ride the bike ". Last year's pole sitter Austin is indeed ill and suffering from a high fever. He owes the fact that he was able to ride all Friday to taking antibiotics. “ It makes me feel better, but still very weak He says.

So we had to manage this Friday well, and that’s what was done well: “ the morning was bad, but the afternoon was really bad. After two rounds, I had no more strength ". A situation which prohibited him from any “long run” series. The Spaniard had to take frequent breaks to regenerate. “ We managed it quite well, we didn't do too many laps in a row. It was good, with worn tires I was able to do a lap time of 2'03.8 ».

**Jorge Martin: “ I had confidence in the bike and I finished the lap »**

But above all, when it comes time to make the powder speak, Jorge Martin slammed in P2 a 2'02.178, putting him less than two tenths off his own qualifying lap record from last year... On this performance, he admits: " I don't know how I did it myself. I had confidence in the bike and finished the lap. I am very happy with it ". And all the more so since he specifies: “ I didn't have the strength to attack two rounds in a row ».

One last remark which worries about the continuation of events. But George Martin wants to believe it: “ when I consider that it was really bad Thursday and better Friday, then I hope it will be even better Saturday and Sunday ". Response in a few hours...