Valencia MotoGP penalty will make race “easier” for Jorge Martin
The Spaniard's MotoGP title defense season concludes this weekend in Valencia, with a double long lap penalty awaiting him on Sunday. But Jorge Martin sees this as an advantage rather than a setback.
Martin explains that the penalty will make the race easier compared to the Sprint event. In the Sprint, he was drawn into racing early, something he wasn't prepared for. However, with the penalty, he plans to start the race last, allowing him to focus on understanding his bike's performance without the pressure of competing.
"My strategy was to go wide in the first corner and be in last, then start overtaking," Martin said after the Sprint in Valencia. "But I had a great start and found my place between Aleix Espargaro and Mir. I overtook Marini and another rider, feeling confident. However, I didn't want to take risks, so the penalty is better for me."
Martin's strategy involves using the penalty to his advantage. He prefers to be alone, understanding his bike's capabilities without the pressure of racing. This approach allows him to focus on his performance and make adjustments for the test on Tuesday.
The Aprilia Racing rider also discussed his experience in the Sprint, where he ran wide at turn eight. He touched the white line, losing control of the front of his bike. Martin chose to go straight instead of attempting the corner, avoiding a potential collision with Johann Zarco. He found this approach beneficial, as it allowed him to relax and set his own pace, achieving a good time of 1:30.4 and 1:30.6.
Despite the physical toll of the race, Martin is considering ending his Sunday race early to prepare for the test on Tuesday. He acknowledges that the Sprint pushed him to his limits, causing pain and a loss of strength with each lap. To ensure he's ready for the test, he might need to sacrifice finishing the race to focus on his performance and understanding the bike's capabilities.
