A direct Q2 undoubtedly helps, but it is not always a symptom of confidence and good sensations. Jorge Martin knows this well, having put Friday’s Japanese Grand Prix to rest with the third time, 132 thousandths behind the day’s leader Brad Binder. However, the Pramac rider appears far from satisfied with his day, characterized by the rain that affected the first session and some difficulties on his Ducati that appeared in the afternoon.
Despite the complicated day, the world championship leader managed to place himself among the best, remaining one of the favorites for the race, even if rain is forecast for the Sprint. Martin remains, however, with his feet on the ground, because he feels better on the flying lap but wants to improve in terms of pace: “It was a difficult day because in the morning the conditions were not the best. In the afternoon, I felt good on the flying lap, but I lack pace. I don’t have confidence in the bike, especially on the front which locks up a lot. Doing 24 laps like this would be very complicated, so I hope to take a step forward.
Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing
Photo credit: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“What has changed compared to Indonesia is two millimeters on the suspension height, but every track is a world,” explains Martin, who talks about the changes on his GP24 to adapt to the Motegi track, completely different from Mandalika. The objective still remains to gain points on his direct rival in the championship, even if at the moment he doesn’t want to think of being the favourite.
“There are more competitive bikes. I saw Pecco a little stronger than in Indonesia. He is my rival and will always try to do better than me. In terms of sensations, they are not good at all, but I was fast despite everything,” claims Martin, who obviously looks mainly at his championship rival Pecco Bagnaia.
The topic of the day, however, is the change of jersey of Romano Albesiano, who leaves Aprilia to go to HRC, and of Fabiano Sterlacchini, who will take the place left vacant by Albesiano. Martin will work with the latter, having signed with the Noale manufacturer for next year: “I have never spoken to Sterlacchini, we’ll see in Valencia. My arrival at Aprilia will be on Monday in Valencia and I think everyone is very happy there. Fabiano has a lot of experience with both Ducati and KTM.”
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