The combination of a super-fast Ducati, now equipped with holeshot devices front and rear, and some great brakes, gave Jorge Martin the most spectacular start to a MotoGP career in recent history.
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The Pramac Ducati rider had only signed up for the 14th.
How did @ 88jorgemartin do that ?!
First #MotoGP race, first start. 14th to 4th !!! #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/4o2nWQihtp
– MotoGP (@MotoGP) March 29, 2021
“I was a little too nervous before the start,” revealed Martin. “But still the start was great! I never expected to be P4. I was expecting to overtake a row and finish ninth or tenth.
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“When I started to put the gears into gear I saw that the bike was super fast. Then I did really great braking and overtook another 5 or 6 riders so I was in fourth place. Then I overtook Zarco. I was a little too enthusiastic in But I was third and it was nice to be there for two corners.
“On the one hand, it was okay because it was good to be there to learn from the fast drivers. But on the other hand, it wasn’t my place. I overheated the tire a bit and then paid for it at the end of the race.
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“Hopefully I can be there for the race distance in the future. But it was great to be in the group.”
Martin finished fourth in the first two laps, but then steadily fell back to 16th place in the middle distance, just behind nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
The two traded places as they climbed the order again until Martin lost contact with the Italian and eventually crossed the finish line in 15th for the final point.
“Later I fought with Valentino and he was my idol when I was young. I almost beat him, but I had a moment five laps ahead of him. So that we were good enough,” said Martin.
“I am happy. The team is happy. At this point we just have to do laps, learn and improve.
“One thing I’ve learned is that I have to be a little calmer on the first few laps. Another is that I think we’re missing the corner exit. I’m a little late on the first part of the gas. I’m losing a few Meters there.
“The good thing is that we are aware of our problems and where we can improve. I’m really looking forward to the next race because I still have good pace that I can bring on the track and fight for the top ten can.”
Enea Bastianini was the best rookie in tenth place, while Luca Marini’s other Avintia (GP19) Ducati was in 16th place.
Free practice for the second round in Qatar begins on Friday afternoon.