The Doha Grand Prix highlighted a Jorge Martin who was already anything but an unknown. He acquired his aura in 2018 by becoming Moto3 World Champion. But before that, nothing was easy for this penniless Spaniard who only got his place thanks to his results and the support of his peers. A strength that the events have forged, like Joan Mir who is now a double World Champion, in Moto3 and MotoGP. Here is an exhaustive presentation of this Spaniard who perhaps does not necessarily consider this first season in the category as a simple apprenticeship…
George Martin is one of those drivers who only owe their place by their simple merit, and the confidence that they have been able to inspire among some in the paddock. Moreover, during a press conference which highlighted him after his first pole position in a MotoGP that he only addresses, a conjunction of time which recalls a certain Marc Marquez, he declared: “ as a child I had a lot of help from Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales. We are close and they would pick me up from home to train me on their bikes because I didn't have the money to buy my own. Working with MotoGP riders while I was still in Moto3 helped me a lot. I will always be grateful to them ».
Another man was also essential for Jorge Martin. This is the late Fausto Gresini, carried away by a Covid-19 infection. In 2017, the late boss took him under his wing and in 2018, the world title was won. George Martin never hid it: the Italian was like a father to him. He adopted him, he knew how to pass on many lessons to him, transforming him into a mature pilot. In 2019 and 2020, he played in Moto2 under colors that predestined him to a destiny with KTM. But Ducati grabbed him, much to the chagrin of the Austrian brand.
At the Doha Grand Prix, Jorge Martín became the second shortest rider to take a pole in MotoGP history. He achieved it during his second race, just like Casey Stoner (Qatar 2006) and Marc Márquez (Americas 2013). But Jorge Lorenzo did better since he got it the first time (Qatar 2008). Only three other drivers have done so in their first five races: Dani Pedrosa et fabio quartararo in fourth and Chris Vermeulen in fifth. However, he is the first rookie in MotoGP history to obtain a pole with Ducati.
Jorge Martin impressed Johann Zarco
With his third place, George Martin became the fourth rider to take the shortest time to reach the podium in MotoGP, behind three other Spaniards who managed to register for the flag ceremony on their debut: Pedrosa (second in Spain 2006), Lorenzo (second in Qatar 2008) and Marc Marquez (third in Qatar 2013).
Martín ahead of four drivers who succeeded in the third race: Daijiro Kato, Troy Bayliss, Casey Stoner et Brad Binder. Finally, it's the first podium for a rookie with Ducati. Only two others did it in their first year: the aforementioned Troy bayliss in his third race and Rubén Xaus in his 13e attempt.
Enfin, Jorge Martin a aussi reçu l’hommage de son équipier à l’arrivée du Grand Prix de Doha : “on ne peut pas dire qu’il a réussi grâce à son expérience, ce n’était que sa deuxième course. Il faisait plutôt confiance à son ressenti. Et c’est très impressionnant. "
