Jorge Martin warns, despite Aprilia’s dominance: “We must also reckon with Marc”

Aprilia Racing’s current star rider impressed on paper in every respect: Jorge Martin secured third place in free practice and repeated the result in the crucial qualifying session. The fact that the RS-GP performed exceptionally well at Mandalika was demonstrated by an Aprilia rider setting the fastest time in both sessions. Even more importantly from Martin’s perspective: in qualifying, the number 89 was a good two tenths faster than Marc Márquez, who progressed to Q2 in fifth place.

And yet, during the subsequent debrief with the MotoGP media, the ‘Martinator’ seemed anything but satisfied. It’s worth remembering that this is the 2024 champion’s first appearance on the beach circuit with Aprilia – Martin missed last year’s race due to injury. The championship leader’s comments were mixed: “I felt very comfortable in the morning, but it was different in the afternoon. It was very disjointed because I was having problems with my front tyre. We tried a few things with the soft front tyre. I felt the pace was there – but it was impossible to complete several laps in a row without the front end sliding out.”

Jorge Martin

Foto: Gold & Goose

Jorge Martin continued: “To be honest – I was a long way off what’s actually possible today. I was very confident, because in FP1 I managed to set my best time right at the very end and on very worn tyres, but in qualifying I didn’t have that pace. My final push was good, but not outstanding – definitely a step behind Raul.”

Martin, who has just a two-point lead over Marc Márquez ahead of the races at Mandalika, also looked over his shoulder: “There are several major rivals here too. Raúl – but we mustn’t forget Marc either. Marc is strong – he was right up there in both sessions, both in his fast laps and over several laps – he’ll definitely be in the mix.”

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Nevertheless, the picture after Day 1 in Indonesia clearly favours Aprilia. Places 1–3 went to Fernández, Bezzecchi and Martin. The foundation for gaining some breathing space in the World Championship battle has been laid – “if we manage to sort out the front-wheel issues on Saturday. If we can sort that out, then I’m confident I can be in the running for the win,” was Martin’s summary.