Let's talk MotoGP: Here's where Jorge Martin made the difference

This episode of Let's talk MotoGP follows directly from the one published yesterday, at the same time, and which I encourage you to read by clicking here. For two days, we analyze Jorge Martin's season, in order to draw lessons little discussed elsewhere, such as those moments when he made the difference. Let's continue this little retrospective with new important points to cover.

But where did it make the difference?

Each year, the dynamic continues its course, but it is sometimes interrupted at specific moments. Thus, with a little hindsight, we can identify moments which tilted the
momentum on one side or the other. His season was a bit special, because he never stopped being strong. He was very consistent all year long, and, unfortunately, his coronation was mainly due to the errors of Bagnaia who scuttled himself. We will return, from tomorrow, to the fate of the Italian. This makes it difficult to identify moments that changed Jorge Martin's exercise.but there is still plenty to do.

The first is in France, at Le Mans. In Sarthe, the “Martinator” left nothing to the competition, and above all, won by little over two of his fiercest opponents, namely, Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia. Le Mans is what Martin is capable of doing best: pole, victory in Sprint and GP. Looking back, this was the only “close” race where he beat Bagnaia all year.which is pretty incredible when you think about it. It wasn't a fight though, Martin led for a long time.

I identify a second important moment in Australia, and
it's undoubtedly the one that turns the season around. In the middle of a usually lenient overseas tour at Pecco Bagnaia, Martin stepped up the pace, playing in a higher dimension than the Italian. It's rare, but Bagnaia didn't find the answer against Martin – and even less against Marquez – at a critical moment. This third place for the official was followed by three consecutive Sunday victories, but which were not enough to turn the tide. Martin, at ease in Australia, nevertheless had bad memories there, because it was undoubtedly one of the decisive moments, but against him, this time, of the 2023 season.

Was it better or worse than in 2023?

As I carefully study this season's results, a thought comes to mind: was Martin better this season or last year? Before you tell me that the answer is obvious because he is a world champion, take a moment to think about it.

In comparison with Pecco Bagnaia, because he is the only reliable element we have, I also think he was a step above in 2024 but because he managed his weak times better; or rather, he didn't have a weak time. Realize: if we exclude his mistake at Misano where he returned to the pits to put on rain tires, he never finished a race higher than fourth place. It's crazy. Also, it fell less, that goes without saying.

On the other hand, if we talk about speed only, I think Martin was better in 2023. I found him much less devastating, still in comparison with Bagnaia, because they were both alone in the world. Certainly, he has more poles, because it took him a long time to find his rhythm on a lap in 2023 (eight against four). However, he won two fewer Sprints while there was one more to take this yearand one less Sunday victory. In the short format, Bagnaia has had just as many successes, which makes me say that he has lost this advantage that was specific to him before.

Several factors must be taken into consideration to assess this statistic: Martin and Bagnaia's motorcycles were far superior to those of the competition. Understand it this way: despite the absence of the Binders, BezzecchiDi Giannantonio, Alex Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, Maverick Vinales – after the first third of the season – and Acosta at the forefront, Martin has imposed himself less. Last year, he managed to defeat Bagnaia in close combat, and twice please (Germany and Thailand)!
This season, that never happened.

Clearly, even if everything suggests that Martin was a more complete and regular driver in 2024, he will impress me more in 2023where, often, he managed to be stronger on the track than Bagnaia. This doesn't take anything away from him as a champion, but it seemed interesting to me to raise this point.

This remains my opinion, and I am curious to know yours! Tell me in the comments!

By Nicolas Pascual. Jorge Martin has made the difference this season, but it's quite subtle. This is how he was crowned.

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport