MotoGP Italy Mugello J3, Debriefing Jorge Martin (Ducati/3): “The big change of the GP24 is the braking, that's why we finally chose it”, etc. (Entirety)

When for his Grand Prix MotoGP of Italy on the Mugello circuit, the championship leader George Martin was overtaken in the last corner of the last lap, “like a beginner” in his own words.

One last frustration at the end of a difficult weekend which saw him concede 21 points to his main opponent, Francis Bagnaia, now only retaining 18 in its purse.
With a maximum of 37 units available each weekend, Assen should be the time to get back to the forefront, for those who will now have a free mind about their future...

As usual, we report his words here without the slightest formatting, even if it is translated from English.

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Welcome to the post-race press conference at the end of the Brembo Italian Grand Prix, here at Mugello. Incredible post-race scenes at the start and finish line, as Italian fans celebrate in a special atmosphere after a special victory for Ducati Lenovo Team rider, and reigning world champion, Pecco Bagnaia. Two consecutive victories here at Mugello for Pecco, congratulations Pecco! His teammate Enea Bastianini completes the Ducati Lenovo team's 1-2 in the special Blue Azuri livery. Enea, first podium here at Mugello! And the leader of the world championship, Prima Pramac Racing driver Jorge Martin, completes the podium in 3rd position.

A big day for Ducati topped off by world championship leader Jorge Martin. Jorge, the last two or three laps were really crazy because at one point we thought you were going to be able to win this race at Mugello and then unfortunately you lost your second place in the last corner. Tell us about your race here in Italy…
George Martin : “Yes, it was an interesting race. I'm quite happy, you know, stepping back now, after a lot of frustration, for sure, and after that last overtake on the last lap. But I think that before the race, I would have scored a podium here, that's for sure. I struggled a lot yesterday, I was really in crisis, so to speak, and we improved a lot compared to yesterday. 3 laps from the finish, I was even very close to Pecco. Of course, it's one thing to be close and another to be close enough to pass, and I think I wasn't close enough for that. But we've been a lot more competitive than last season, a lot more competitive, so I think we're doing a good job. I think we're still competitive, I've been on the podium every weekend, and yes, for sure this track already had the name Pecco from Thursday, so being close is at least really positive. »

Yesterday you said that after your fall you didn't really know why you fell. Did you find the answer to this question there? And yesterday you also said that it had been difficult for your self-confidence. Do you feel like you found her today?
“Yeah, I think I still don't know why I fell, but it happens sometimes, it's not the first time it's happened. It happened to me in Jerez, it happened to Pecco in Montmelo in the sprint. So we need to solve this problem because falling without knowing why is not good for confidence. But yes, I'm happy because normally I don't touch the bike, I leave everything as it is and try to figure out how to be fast. But from yesterday to today I had to make a big change and in the end it was worth it for sure. It gives me more confidence for the future, not only to me but also to my team boss, to make changes, try to adapt the bike to different circuits, and not be afraid to make those changes. So I think I'm taking away a lot of positive things from this weekend. You know, you take the positives in tough times, and here it was a really tough weekend, I think it's the toughest of the season, but I'm here on the podium so I'm super happy and let's move on to the next race. »

For the past three years, owning a Ducati old or new was a guarantee of victory. But today, this is no longer the case. The GP 23 is not a winning bike. Is this the result of the rule change or is it just a problem with the GP23 which was a difficult bike also last year?
“For me, the big change in the 24 is the braking, that's what I felt. That's why we finally chose the 24, but I thought the 23 would be even more competitive here, because last year in the changes of direction I was stronger than this season. So yeah, this year I had a lot more trouble with the 24 than last year with the 23, so now it's hard to say, but I think they're very similar. »

Jorge, do you remember the last time you left the door open on the last corner of a race?
“No, I don’t remember. I think you grow with the experience you have, and today I had a very bad experience in the last corner. But believe me, this will not happen to me in the future! I think a good driver is one who improves from his mistakes. Today was a great mistake, like a beginner, and next year, when we get to the last lap at Mugello, I will still be on the white line. »

Jorge, the next race is Assen, and last year you finished it 6th and 5th, so maybe it's not your favorite track. What are you expecting this year? What are your impressions? Are you expecting something different?
“Last season I crashed during qualifying, so I started from 12th place, and in Assen the first lap is quite difficult, but on Sunday I went from 5 seconds apart to 2 in the last round. I think I can do a good job, I feel stronger than last season, and my goal, as always, is to get on the podium. We will see if we have the potential to fight for victory, and yes, let's try to have a clear mind and just compete. »

 

Results of the 2024 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix at Mugello:

 Credit rankings: MotoGP.com