The MotoGP championship battle has reached a fever pitch, with the title on the line at Montmeló after Cheste was ruled out due to the DANA’s impact. With the stakes sky-high, all eyes are on Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia, as the Spanish rider heads to a circuit where his Italian rival excels. Martín, fresh off a win in Sepang, is laser-focused, sharing his reflections on the fierce competition.
“I’ve learned not to rush,” Martín said after Sepang. “I wanted that win because I felt strong all weekend, but Pecco was just better. When he’s on, he’s incredibly hard to beat and willing to take risks I can’t afford. We battle hard, but there’s always respect. We leave each other a millimeter of space to avoid trouble, even if we’re aggressive,” he explained. With a nod to his roots, he dedicated his performance to Valencia, acknowledging the mixed emotions surrounding the day: “I’m happy, but it can’t truly be a good day.”
As a rider driven by instinct, Martín knows what it takes to challenge Bagnaia’s resilience. “I race a lot on feeling,” he said, adding, “Pecco is tough to pass, especially under braking. Every time I overtake, he’s right there to respond. I managed it four or five times, but with a full tank, keeping the bike steady was a battle. If I’d stayed ahead for a full lap, maybe the race would’ve turned out differently, but Pecco was relentless.”
In a nostalgic nod to MotoGP’s past, Martín compared their rivalry to legendary duels. “We’re a new generation. People once talked about Pedrosa and Lorenzo or Marquez and Valentino—today, they talk about Martin and Bagnaia,” he said proudly. “It’s an honor to be in the mix with a champion like Pecco. This battle reminds me of Phillip Island, where the momentum favored Marquez. I’m grateful to Pecco; his speed pushes me, making the championship that much more thrilling.”
Martín’s approach to the Montmeló decider reflects his disciplined mindset: “You’ve got to stay cool and focused. If you hit the track without considering the risks, mistakes are inevitable,” he remarked. Confident in his strategy, Martín chose a medium front tire, even though it wasn’t the popular choice. “It wasn’t risky; we’d tested it. The goal was clear—to stay ahead. I knew Pecco would have to push, but I couldn’t allow myself to drop two laps back,” he concluded, setting the stage for an unforgettable final showdown.
The countdown is on for a title battle of epic proportions, as Martín and Bagnaia prepare to settle the score in Montmeló.