Like every Grand Prix weekend, Jorge Martin is a danger ; this is all the more true in Austria, where he took his first victory in MotoGP in 2021. On a track particularly favorable to Ducati, he was able to stand out and ideally place himself in third position, just behind Pecco Bagnaia and his teammate Franco Morbidelli. The latter, who used the wheel of the “Martinator”, should not represent a major danger for him given the difference between the two drivers since the start of the season. Martin is fast, not as fast as the official Ducati for the moment, but remains a threat not to be underestimated.
Jorge Martin had things to say at the end of this Practice. First, on its performance, judged good on the microphones of GP One. « I tried all the pneumatic compounds. I had to change settings between the morning and the afternoon, because here, due to the layout of the route, there are many possible options. I'm pretty confident for tomorrow. Pecco Bagnaia is fast, but not unbeatable. He has always been competitive here” he admitted very honestly. However, he was expecting another surprise: KTM. The “big absentees” from their Grand Prix, they who have always achieved good results. « I expected to see them at their best, but maybe they're hiding something from us » he declared.
Job done for the @pramacracing duo ✅ #AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/TXNcrf4L5c
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 16, 2024
The “Martinator” is aware of having an extremely efficient machine on these lands, which has only been beaten twice since 2016, each time by KTMs. « The Ducatis are very strong when braking, I had no problems. We still need to work on the stability coming out of the second and third turns, but overall it's okay. In addition, it is not one of the most physical tracks » he added.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Then came the controversy. At a press conference, Marc Marquez declared that he would not be bothered to see his future teammate Pecco Bagnaia win the world title. A psychological battle beginning? Jorge Martin sweeps everything aside. « This type of behavior has always existed, Valentino Rossi was already doing it at the time. If you are mentally strong, it won't affect you. They won't walk on me » he concluded.
In your opinion, are we heading towards a psychological clash between Marquez and Martin, when the two seemed to get along wonderfully last year? Tell us in the comments!
MotoGP Practice result at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
