Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was one of the guests on the latest edition of the Spanish MotoGP™ Podcast, presented by DAZN_ES’ Ernest Riveras and Izaskun Ruiz. During his interview, the 2018 Moto3™ World Champion spoke about a recent interview with Ducati Corse’s Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti, in which he admitted that the Spanish rider was on the radar of the Italian factory as a future rider.
In recent years, there has been a generational shift in MotoGP™ that became most notable at the end of 2019, when Jorge Lorenzo retired. And it continued with 2019 Rookie of the Year Fabio Quartararo signing for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP to replace Valentino Rossi in 2021. Martin confessed that this shift represents an opportunity for the young talent who are finding their way in Moto2™, saying “It’s the moment the younger riders take action.”
Of course, Ducati have started planning for 2021 and beyond, as every factory looks to the talent in the Moto2™ class with the intention of signing them in the near future. This was hinted by Ciabatti himself, suggesting Lorenzo Baldassarri (FlexBox HP 40), Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) and Martin as potential Ducati candidates. The young Spaniard told the MotoGP™ Spanish Podcast that he was flattered by Ciabatti’s words and was satisfied that his hard work was paying off.
“If MotoGP teams think of you, it’s because you’re doing something right,” said Martin, who was flattered by the interest shown by Ciabatti. However, Martin affirmed his main desire is to step up to the premier class with KTM.
However, Martin said that he believes that his riding style could match the performance of the Desmosedici GP. “The Ducati is a bike that, due to my current riding style, I could better adapt to”, whereas a move to one of the KTM MotoGP™ teams would mean him having to work on his style, because “the KTM is a bike that forces me to brake super late, stop it and open the gas early.”
This year Martin is riding a Kalex chassis instead of a KTM, which the Spaniard admits was tricky to begin with. “When I got on the Kalex, I found it difficult. It is not it doesn’t go fast, because with my style I can go fast, but to take care of the tyres and get the most out of the Kalex, I have to do more in the corners. It’s more of a Yamaha style.
“This year I will have to change my style and then, depending on where I go in the future, change it again. It’s a bit complicated but it is what it is,” added Martin, who explained that he leaves off-track negotiations - such as the Ducati rumours - to be dealt with by his manager. Will we see Martin move up to the premier class in 2021? And if so, what manufacturer will he be with…
Martin was speaking on the Spanish MotoGP™ Podcast. Compatriot Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) delved into his career on the Last On The Brakes MotoGP™ Podcast last week, with Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) sharing stories such as how he nearly gave up his dream in 2014 on the latest episode. Listen via the links below!
