During the off-season and while the Dovizioso-Petrucci page was closing at Ducati, the brand was put in the hot seat by the starters on its way of considering its riders. To be honest, there didn't even seem to be any consideration according to the experience of the Italian duo, an opinion which caused the executives of Ducati Corse to react. We don't know if there was cause and effect or if, ultimately, nothing changed at Ducati, but what is certain is that this season, we are seeing more cohesion and solidarity within the brand. . Jorge Martin, in this sense, would even be a downright concrete case…
George Martin already has his contract for 2022 and he managed most of his first season in MotoGP with a solid performance at the Doha Grand Prix. A pole position and a podium were welcome, especially when we know the outcome, a violent fall at Portimao. Which stopped his progress dead in his tracks. And which still slows it down considerably.
To be convinced of this, we must remember his comment at the end of a Dutch Grand Prix which he had to abandon: “ I'm still not 100%, I realize that I lack a little strength and we are working hard to return to the conditions at the start of the season as quickly as possible ". He even adds: “ a lot of things go through your head and sometimes I thought about stopping. At that time you have to show how strong you are. I think I had a good start to the season, but the injury was a hard blow and it took me a while to learn motorcycling ».
The summer break will be used to get back in shape for the next Austrian round from August 6 to 8. This will be a compatible track Ducati, At least on paper. “ I want to be better than I was last race » said simply the Spaniard who suffered eight fractures and was operated on three times. The newcomer missed the race in Portugal and the following world championship rounds at Jerez, Le Mans and Mugello, and he only returned to racing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. There he scored points for the first time since the training accident in Portimão in 14th place.
Tardozzi: “Jorge Martin has already proven how fast he is”
At the Sachsenring he crossed the finish line in twelfth place after being in the top ten until halfway. Also in Assen he was able to ride in the top 12 at the start. But ultimately, he parked his Desmosedici in the pits after 14 laps of the race. Afterward, he said his arm went numb. “ It was a risk for me and my opponents » he then admitted.
The pass is therefore difficult for George Martin, and it is in these moments that it is important that the company is behind its pilot. And it is, as declared Davide Tardozzi : " we are sure that Jorge is one of the greatest talents you can find in the paddock » says the team director. “ That's why we did everything to have it on a Ducati. He still needs a little experience with the bike, but he has already proven how fast he is. I think he can be at the forefront again before the end of the season ". Words that will go straight to the heart of the rookie 23 years.
