“Jorge Martin describes the race as challenging on a tricky track, having endured two crashes during qualifying.”
“Jorge Martin described his Saturday at the Americas MotoGP as ‘complicated’.
With two crashes during qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, the championship leader found himself starting the sprint race from sixth on the grid.
However, he managed to clinch a podium finish behind the race winner Maverick Vinales and Marc Marquez.
“It’s always important to keep progressing and secure some points,” Martin stated.
“It was a tough day, but in the end, we achieved a podium. I’m incredibly happy.
“I had hoped to be faster in qualifying, but with two crashes, it was really challenging.
“Starting from sixth wasn’t easy.
“I made some good overtakes on different riders, including Aleix Espargaro, Pedro, and Enea Bastianini.”
“I am confident that on Sunday, I can be more competitive with a better start. Let’s aim for a stronger result.”
Pramac’s Martin found himself in a battle with Gresini’s Marquez and Tech3 GASGAS’ Pedro Acosta for the two podium spots behind the race winner Vinales.
Martin successfully overtook Acosta but was unable to gain an additional position on Marquez, who defended his position in the closing stages.
“I thought I had the opportunity to make a move and create a gap,” Martin reflected.
“Perhaps I closed the gap too early. Then I encountered some rear-end issues.
“It was a challenging race on a demanding track.
“We need to delve into the details. The rear tyre took a lot of punishment.
“Let’s see if we can be smarter on Sunday.”
Despite a tense Saturday for the Pramac Ducati rider, he has extended his lead at the summit of the MotoGP standings to 25 points, ahead of second-placed Bastianini.
Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia trails Martin by 28 points.
“At the moment, I’m not concerned about that,” Martin emphasized.
“I’m unsure of how many races or weekends are left…
“We maximized our performance in the current situation. On Sunday, we aim to do the same.”
A better start will be crucial to Martin’s ambitions in the Grand Prix at COTA.
However, the in-form Aprilia rider Vinales, who has now secured consecutive sprint race victories, enters as the favorite.
Stay tuned with We4GP for more news.
