Despite a chaotic Saturday at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna, Jorge Martín remained unfazed by track concerns, focusing instead on delivering a strong performance that saw him return to the podium in the Brazilian GP Sprint Race.
The Sprint schedule was thrown into disarray after a hole appeared on the start-finish straight, forcing urgent repairs and delaying the race by over an hour.
While the situation raised safety concerns across the paddock, Martín downplayed the issue, noting that the damaged section lay off the racing line.
“For me, we could race even with the hole,” Martín said.
“It wasn’t on the racing line, so for MotoGP riders we can manage it.”
However, the extended delay posed a different kind of challenge — maintaining mental focus.
“It’s not easy to keep concentration after one-and-a-half hours,” he admitted.
Riding for Aprilia Racing, Martín secured third place — his first podium with the team and a significant milestone following a challenging period marked by injuries and recovery.
The result also marked his return to the rostrum for the first time since late 2024, underlining his growing confidence and form.
Martín revealed he had the pace to fight for victory but was hindered by a crash during qualifying that dented his confidence heading into the Sprint.
“I knew my potential was even for the victory,” he explained. “But after the crash, I was a bit too safe in the first laps.”
As the race progressed, the Spaniard found his rhythm, settling into a competitive pace and executing a composed ride to secure a well-earned podium finish.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s Grand Prix, Martín acknowledged the challenge of taking on the dominant Ducati machines over a full race distance.
“We are a step away from them,” he admitted.
“But here it’s about adapting to conditions, and I think we can improve.”
Technical differences — including gearbox characteristics — may also play a role, with Aprilia exploring adjustments to close the gap.
After months of rebuilding, Martín’s performance in Brazil signals a turning point.
From managing disrupted conditions to delivering under pressure, the Spaniard demonstrated resilience and growing synergy with his machine.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
