In Australia, the former world champion was once again masterful. Despite a choppy start due to a tear-off stuck under his wheel, the Gresini driver once again put on a show to take his third victory of the season. “I don’t know where I was in the first corner, but I overtook a lot of drivers,” smiles Marquez. “Yes, I thought for a moment that it was impossible to catch Martin but on the 6th lap I started to get into rhythm and I was calmer because the start was a bit stressful, but I’m super happy of victory.”
When we see with what insolence Marquez imposed himself on Philip Island, it doesn’t take much to revive memories of a Spanish coalition which this time would involve Jorge Martin. Although the backdrop is very different from that of 2015 with Marquez who will be the future teammate of the Italian Bagnaia at Ducati Corse while Martin will go to Aprilia next year. It would be bad form for bib 93 to play against his future garage neighbor under the pretext of defending his country’s cause.
gullI feel a bit like last year but with more mentality.
In any case, Martin did not need Marquez to achieve a very good performance in the championship. Winner of the sprint race then second in the Grand Prix, the Pramac driver increased his lead to 20 points over Bagnaia. With three tests to go, it is now a question of no longer making gross errors for the Martinator. “I feel a bit like last year but with more mentality”, Jorge admitted. “Pecco is a great champion, fighting with him is fun. He’s been in this position before and it’s new to me. I focus on what I can control. The rest is not up to me, Let’s see what trophy I can bring home.”
Bagnaia, for his part, pouted at the finish and dwelled on the clash with Alex Marquez in Aragon, where he lost the title according to him. But Pecco knows deep down that the situation could still change between now and Valencia.
