There are definitely two ways to build a career in MotoGP. Either you are working hard to win a Moto2 title, or you are well surrounded and have convinced the decision-makers of your talent well in advance. Jorge Martin is of this caliber, with a formidable manager Albert Valera. Moto3 World Champion, the Spaniard was offered a route by KTM which he did not initially reject… Before branching off towards Ducati, a brand which confirmed him at Pramac in 2021. While he has no chance of competing for the Moto2 crown this year…
The confinement was not a useless period for everyone. So, Pol Espargaro took the opportunity to negotiate his contract with Honda and thus leave KTM, while in his corner, George Martin advanced his pawns towards Ducati, keeping them away from… KTM. There was then a long silence, mixed results while bastianini signed his own contract Ducati. Game over ? Nay, Jorge Martin will indeed be a Pramac Ducati rider in 2021, teammate of Johann zarco.
« We compared our different options and found that this was the best for the future »Says George Martin, 22 years old. “ The bike was the most important thing for 2021. I wanted to come into MotoGP with a very good option, and the bike is always the most important thing. If I hadn't had a good bike, I would have stayed in Moto2 to fight for the title again ».
« Fortunately, it's not my job to sign the contract. My manager does this and he did it very well ", added Martin. " I didn't have to think about anything and he just let me know when it was time to sign. I think it was more or less like a normal year ».
The health crisis has, however, changed certain things: “ it's a little different than usual when it comes to holding meetings or even just talking to the team. I had a quick chat with the team leaders, but there's no rush. We'll get to the season finale at Portimao first and then focus on 2021 », assured Martin, which is 71 points behind Luca marini in his current Moto2 championship, after two withdrawals due to having tested positive for Coronavirus…
“It will be difficult”
In view of his debut in the premier category, the 3 Moto2018 world champion is still struggling to formulate a goal: “ I can't really say much about expectations. One objective is for sure: to be the “Rookie of the Year”, even if only Enea Bastianini and I are promoted. It's going to be hard because he's strong. Trying to get into the top 10 would be awesome. But I don't know yet ". Especially since the fate of Luca marini is a priori not yet sealed.
The future Pramac Ducati rider specifies on speedweek to Simon Patterson: “ we will only have eight days of testing before the start of the season and I think the first five or six Grands Prix will be very difficult ". On his hardening, he adds: “ Ducati will give me a superbike machine so I can train. And it's perfect. I'm going to ride a lot in December and January to get used to more power. So far, the Moto2 motorcycle is the most powerful motorcycle I have ever ridden! »
« Getting used to the weight and power will be the most important thing », Estimates the Spaniard, who lives in Andorra. “ The Pangiale is said to have a lot of power. Maybe I can ride with Jack Miller, who also trains with the Panigale. Then I could try to learn. Change will definitely be difficult » ends the protégé of Jorge Lorenzo, and winner of the Austrian Grand Prix this season.
