Martin ‘living a dream’ following second MotoGP pole, ‘lap record is amazing’

Jorge Martin’s impressive form since returning from the summer break continued with a third ever MotoGP pole in just his seventh race weekend.

It was a tough start to the day for the MotoGP rookie as a crash during FP3 left the Spaniard needing to go through Q1. 

Before qualifying began, Martin then suffered another fall in FP4 after running on at turn four, however, the recovery performance was stunning from last weekend’s winner. 

A low 1m 23s time in Q1 saw him finish two tenths clear of the next best rider (Miguel Oliveira), while an improvement of four tenths in Q2 saw him pip Fabio Quartararo to pole and a new lap record. 

Martin summed up his eventful day by saying: "This morning I was feeling really bad with the same setting as last week and I don’t know why. 

"I couldn’t brake and the bike was shaking, also with the acceleration I felt no grip, so yeah I tried a bit too much in the FP3 and had this crash in the last corner. 

"Then I was missing a bit of confidence for the FP4, but anyway, we did some changes on the bike and I was feeling confident with used tyres. My pace all day was strong, but I can see for sure some other riders that are strong. 

"But we did well and the team did an amazing job after two crashes to repair all the bikes. In the Q1 I was a bit nervous because you always take this risk not to go through from Q1, but I did an amazing job with a 23.1 in the hot conditions. 

"And then, thanks to my team-mate I got this tow for improving the time and yeah, I could get the lap record which is amazing. I’m living a dream and tomorrow I hope we can fight for the podium."

Since returning from the summer break, Martin has been one of the most consistent riders whether that’s race pace or one lap pace. 

Asked about what’s the main difference, Martin highlighted ‘how to put the power on the track’ and also avoiding rear spinning as crucial elements. 

"What I learn the most is how to put the power on the track because now in MotoGP; I mean we have a lot of power and normally it’s difficult to don’t spin and things like this," added Martin.  

"I think what I learn is to control the gas and understand how to put the power on the ground. 

"And also, I’m helped by the electronics because for sure at the beginning of the year I didn’t understand and I just did my maps and everything. 

"But now I improve a lot to understand what I need at every moment and I think this is the big step forward I made."