Rookie of the Year, MotoGP™ race winner and MotoGP™ poleman are just the start when it comes to what Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) has achieved in 2021. A special rookie year in the premier class, the likes of which we’ve only seen Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez surpass.
He showed real grit on Sunday at the Motul Grand Prix of Valencia by just making the grid. Sickness throughout the night saw the young Spaniard arrive at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo with no sleep, no energy and no hope of taking full advantage of his fourth pole position of the year.
However, Martin dug deep to lead the race for the opening twelve laps before factory counterpart Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) found a way through. The former Moto3™ World Champion didn’t throw the towel in, though, clinging onto the rear wheel of Bagnaia and pressuring him all the way to the chequered flag.
"It was an unbelievable race," started the number 89, speaking to MotoGP™ report Simon Crafar from Parc Ferme. "From 10pm yesterday until 5am today I wasn't sleeping, I was just vomiting. It was really difficult, I thought I couldn't make the race, but thanks to the doctors, to Angel Charte [MotoGP™ Medical Director], all of the Clinica Mobile, because they helped me a lot.
"The thing I was scared about was that I haven’t had any food since yesterday's lunch, so, for sure, a MotoGP race is very physical and I tried my best to be really focused and not make any mistakes. Finally, on the last laps, Jack was pushing, so, on the last lap, I was giving it 100%.
"Second position is unbelievable, my first second position of the year and, yeah, really good. I’m really happy for the team too, to finish the season in this way is amazing with a pole and a podium. We have a lot of motivation for the future. It has been an incredible year, filled with both highs and lows, from which we have come out stronger than ever."
Now, all attention turns to 2022 and what has the potential to be a memorable year for Martin. Another step in the right direction and the Spaniard becomes an outside bet to challenge for the World Championship, but also a strong favourite to earn himself a full-factory deal for 2023.