In Malaysia, Jorge Martín took a serious option for the 2024 MotoGP world champion title. After Bagnaia's fall in the Sprint, the Spaniard won to increase his lead to 29 units. In the main race he finished second, behind his opponent. He will thus approach the championship final with a 24-length lead in the Drivers' standings.
Once the pressure of this crucial weekend subsided, the Pramac driver was as happy as if he had won. In Barcelona, he will indeed have a match point from the first event of the weekend.
It must also be said that, during the first laps of this race, the two title contenders gave us a battle on the track which will probably go down in history.
“It was a great race, confides Martin after the ordeal. I had a lot of fun. Thanks to Pecco, because, thanks to his level, I improve mine too. We are getting stronger and stronger every day. I don't think we've ever had a fight like this in our entire career. With 11 overtakes in three laps.
It's very difficult to attack a driver like him, he brakes so, so hard, continues n°89. But I got there. I think if I could have held first place for a full lap it would have changed everything a bit. But he had incredible pace in the end. It was too risky for me to continue attacking. »
READ ALSO > Malaysia – Race: Bagnaia wins, the title will be decided during the last race
Jorge Martín also does not fail to salute the courage of the Italian, who had a smaller margin for error, but who nevertheless could not play it safe. If Martin took victory in Malaysia, Bagnaia had to finish second at all costs to maintain his title chances.
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Martín on the verge of the title
“Everything was on his side to win today, he had a lot of risks to take. I could have fought a little harder but it didn't make sense. I think I could have gotten this first position but it involved too much risk, Martin adds again. It's important because in terms of driving, I think we were very, very close, there was no difference at all, it was more mental. I think he had everything to win today. »
During the final, which will not take place in Valencia, but more than likely in Barcelona, Martin will have to be content with scoring two more points than Bagnaia at the end of the Sprint, or not conceding 25 overall. of the weekend. Something to reassure him after a series of stressful races.
“I'm happy to score seven more runs from this inning. I feel a little closer to the end goal, but nothing is done until it's finished so you have to stay super focused. I will believe in it until the end. »
While he could add his plaque to the MotoGP champions trophy in just under two weeks, Jorge Martín already knows who to dedicate this title to.
« Despite everything, today is not a good day after what happened in Spain. This podium is for them. I will try to win the championship, not for myself but for my team and the people around me who really deserve it.” concludes the possible future MotoGP world champion.
