We had to wait 643 days to see Jorge Martín at the top in MotoGP again. Even if a victory in a Sprint race does not equal success in a Grand Prix, the Spaniard has reason to congratulate himself after his exceptional performance this Saturday. After a good start, he attacked Pecco Bagnaia at the right time before immediately putting a fatal blow on the competition. Once well in the lead, he “only” had to manage this lead over Brad Binder, second, who had lost. Is this the return of the “Martinator” that we have been waiting for for some time now?
« I feel like something has unlocked. When you don't win for a certain time, a sort of blockage sets in. After victory, everything becomes easier» he declared on the microphone of Speedweek. Concerning his return to the top, the main person concerned continues: “
I feel like I have finally rediscovered this ability to exploit all my potential on the track. I was fast, I'm very happy and finally, I found my confidence again
". Strong words spoken by a pilot… apart.
Back to winning ways! 🥇@ 88jorgemartin leave them in his dust! 💨#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 | #TissotSprint pic.twitter.com/OpFg7P05XV
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) May 13, 2023
Once so explosive,
Jorge Martín was more shy at the start of 2023. During the winter, we analyzed his profile in depth, before concluding that he perfectly embodied the archetype of the “pilot of the future”. These devilishly fast young people who can dynamite a weekend, and who often don't finish on their wheels. Since the Portuguese Grand Prix, the “Martinator” no longer had this freshness, but from now on, it will be necessary to count on it if confidence is definitively regained.
Regarding his race, the 3 Moto2017 world champion described it simply: “ I got off to a good start, then I saw that Pecco was in difficulty with his front axle, so I tried to overtake. Afterwards, I was well ahead and I was able to take full advantage of the last two laps to appreciate and even reflect ».
The rockstar. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Even in a bad situation, we have no doubt about its potential: Jorge Martín remains one of the best drivers in the field on a good day, but these are unfortunately too rare. May he make us lie. What did you think of his performance? Tell us in the comments!
Here is the Sprint classification at the 2023 MotoGP French Grand Prix:
Classification credit: motogp.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
