Sprint winner Jorge Martin: Team-mate Ai Ogura gave him cause for doubt

The MotoGP World Championship kicked off the second half of the season on Saturday with the Silverstone Sprint. As on the starting grid, three Aprilia riders finished at the front. Pole-sitter Jorge Martin defended his lead throughout the race against his closest challenger, Ai Ogura. The 28-year-old Spaniard won the race with a 1.5-second lead over the Japanese rider. Martin’s team-mate Marco Bezzecchi returned from the first lap in fifth place, but then fought his way up to third, thus completing another Aprilia one-two-three at the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’. It was their first victory over the short distance.

“I worked hard over the summer – this is the reward,” said winner Jorge Martin, beaming. “It was worth the effort – I’m really happy! The team did an incredible job too – congratulations to Aprilia as well! But I’d also like to congratulate Marco Bezzecchi – it’s amazing that he’s back on the podium here so soon after his recent injury.”

Sieger Jorge Martin mit Teamkollege «Bez» der Dritter wurde

Foto: Gold and Goose

Halfway through the ten-lap sprint race, it looked as though Trackhouse-Aprilia rider Ogura might put pressure on leader Martin. And Martin admitted: “It was tough in the race. I’d got nothing left in the rear tyre by the end of the race. I was worried that Ai might catch me. A win is always wonderful, and all the more so after the summer break. Fortunately, I was able to manage the race distance.”

Jorge Martin extended his World Championship lead over his closest rival, Ogura, by a further three points and now sits 17 points ahead of Ogura ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix. The only Aprilia not to finish on the podium didn’t even cross the line: Ogura’s team-mate Raul Fernandez slid off the track at Turn 4 in the early stages. Sunday promises to be a nail-biter: at Silverstone, there have been as many different winners in the last eleven main races!

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MotoGP World Championship

09.08.2026 - 10:35