Jorge Martin continued a sensational second weekend in MotoGP, taking his first pole position on Saturday with a first podium in today’s race.
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The Spaniard led most of the laps at the Doha Grand Prix and was only beaten by Fabio Quartararo and his team-mate Johann Zarco.
After qualifying, Martin said his “goal” was not to win, but to “learn” and be a rookie. Even so, it certainly wasn’t a rookie feat as the former Moto3 champion looked at home at the top.
About his first podium and what he learned during the race, Martin said: “Yes, it was a nice race. Difficult for me, you know, doing 18 laps was a bit difficult, but I think it was better anyway for me. “
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“I was able to control the pace and the tires that I was struggling with last weekend. I took a big step and I think I improved my focus and also my tire management, which is so important.
“I still miss a bit of speed, because when Fabio overtook me, I was a bit on the limit to follow him, but I say, okay, maybe now is the time to follow him and keep this podium.”
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On the final lap, momentum built up for Zarco, who a few laps earlier had difficulty following Quartararo as he overtook his younger team-mate.
But on the final lap Zarco only made turn 16 on the left, and while Martin tried to reclaim the Frenchman, he didn’t want to take any chances.
“In the end it was a shame to lose second place. I’m not 100% happy because when I saw Johann, I said, now I can’t try, because if I try and we fall, it’s a disaster” said Martin.
“Still, third place after a brief preparation in MotoGP is incredible and I took the opportunity to be here today, so I’m really happy.”
Martin looked a lot at home in only his second race, as he set a constant and fast pace at the front while also protecting the tires, which was the topic a week ago.
But how does it feel to be on pole in your second MotoGP race? That was submitted to Martin after the race.
“Yeah, actually I was pretty nervous. I think even more than last week because it’s not easy to be on pole position up there. I think that even if I get pole position in the future, hopefully I’ll be the same be nervous, “added the. added Spaniards.
“I thought I didn’t have the pace to keep up with the men in front, but then each lap was a little closer to the end and I say okay one more, one more and kept a good pace.
“I wasn’t pushing a lot and trying to do really well and doing 1 min 55.2, 55.1, 55.4 seconds so the pace was great and so I was ahead.
“So I’m really happy and even if I was a little nervous I could control it well and do a great job.”