Martin ‘satisfied’ with COTA top five, but long-lap penalty ‘a bit unfair’

Jorge Martin loses out on what could have been a fourth MotoGP podium after suffering a long-lap penalty at COTA. 

The MotoGP rookie, winner of the Styrian Grand Prix, was on course for third place before a near highside saw him run off track at turn three.

Martin’s initial mistake allowed fellow Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to close in, before Martin slowed further to avoid gaining an advantage which brought Bagnaia from over a second behind to just half a second. 

Still, race direction decided to give Martin a penalty which cost him any chance of competing for a deserved rostrum. 

While Martin was ‘satisfied’ about fighting for a top five, the Spaniard labelled the penalty as unfair post race: "I’m satisfied with the race because before the race I didn’t expect to be top five. 

"We started quite well, I was pushing, feeling confident and the pace was actually really, really good. But then yeah, I almost highsided and lost time, but even then they still gave me a long-lap penalty which is a bit unfair. 

"But the rules are like this. I had to lose a lot of positions, but anyway, the race and the first 15 laps were amazing. 

"I was super strong but my physical condition is not 100% so I was struggling a lot. But as I said, really happy for me, for my team and this is the correct way to keep growing. It was a nice race but I think it was the toughest of the year physically."

During the race we witnessed Jack Miller allow team-mate Bagnaia through in order for the Italian to gain more championship points. 

However, this was never on Martin’s mind, instead would have fought back if the penalty was not awarded. 

Martin added: "When I saw that Bagnaia was behind me it was better because normally I can fight better with Ducati than other bikes. 

"I was so close to him but I had this long-lap which is why I didn’t even try. 

"For sure, if I didn’t have the long-lap I would try to overtake him, but he’s also battling for the championship and it would be a bit risky if I tried."