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In Misano Jorge Martin arrived with a haul of 23 points, this was the gap to Bagnaia after the terrible weekend that had seen the Italian end up in the gravel along with Alex Marquez. A lead to protect, not an easy challenge because the playing field was a tough one, Misano is an Italian circuit, one of the home circuits for Bagnaia.
Successful feat, despite his rival's pole, because in the race Jorge Martin made a fantastic start. The Madrid native thus placed himself firmly at the front of the race and over the next 13 laps kept his rival at bay by closing the trajectories and keeping his concentration high, avoiding mistakes that had already cost him dearly in the past. And while Bagnaia's frustration at the missed opportunity is understandable, Jorge Martin enjoyed the mental jolt that is allowing him to face this last part of the season in much better condition than last year.
The victory in the sprint thus interrupts a long series of second places, but the Misano double event still promises sparks between the two. In the meantime, Franco Morbidelli's return to the podium may become a curious and unexpected needle of the scales in the all-Ducati rodeo, with the Italian-Brazilian strained between personal success, the interests of the team and the friendship that binds him to the current world champion. To him the Spaniard therefore directs honeyed words, hoping that in the heat of the moment, the Spaniard does not also get in the way...
After the departure, what was your first thought, the bulk of the work had been done?
"Actually I was already thinking about the next corner, there were still 13 laps to go," says Jorge Martin , "however, yes, the start was incredible. I was very focused on closing the lines and defending the first position. From that moment I started to keep a high pace trying to keep Pecco at a distance. It was not easy but I succeeded, I am very satisfied with how we worked today."
The start, however, was the key to this race.
"Yes but it was not the only one," the Spaniard replied amused , "closing all the corners well also made the difference. Even with a good start you can end the race eighth, you have to be perfect in every aspect. Tomorrow things will definitely be more difficult."
You are a great lover of sprints, you have won 15 of them, but this was perhaps the most important one at Pecco's home circuit.
"A win is a win, winning is always important, as it was also last year. It's clear that winning here in Italy is important, not only for me but also for the team and Ducati. But I don't think too much about all that, my only thought is related to the victory itself. Winning tomorrow as well, however, will not be easy."
You have gained more ground on Pecco in the standings, now the lead has risen to 26 points.
"It's not important for me right now, the important thing is to keep giving 100 percent. I don't know if I can repeat myself tomorrow, but I think I have a good chance, the pace is good and the race is longer. I was coming from a series of second places, so I am very happy with this win, but I think second place would have been good too. However, I would also like to win tomorrow, I have never won two years in a row at the same circuit, it is another challenge in my career that I hope to achieve tomorrow."
What grade would you give to your performance today?
"Ten out of ten, considering I was starting fourth. I made a mistake on the second lap, went wide and got a warning. From then on I was afraid of repeating the mistake and I increased my concentration in drawing my lines. However, I think I still have margin in some corners so tomorrow maybe I can improve again."
In Germany you crashed with Pecco chasing you, here you didn't make the same mistake: a step forward in mentality as well?
"You always have to try to improve, I think I have improved, now I feel less stress in this kind of situation. If tomorrow the same situation arises again and he manages to overtake me I would say good for him."
Also back on the podium today was Franco Morbidelli.
"The team lacks nothing, it's a great team and I'm happy for 'Frankie,' he hasn't been on the podium for a long time (since 2021 ed.) so I'm very happy for him."
The possibility that Morbidelli could be the needle of the scales in the challenge between the Spaniard and Bagnaia now becomes more concrete.
"I don't need any outside help, the only thing you ask of your teammate, if it comes to a fight, is that he doesn't throw you to the ground. Otherwise, I wish him a great result tomorrow as well, as long as there is no contact."
Indeed, his thoughts turn to last year's Phillip island, when Zarco took valuable points away from him during the title fight.
"I wasn't thinking about that episode, but sometimes when you're fighting for victory it's hard to think about anything else, but between teammates you're usually careful..."
Ph. ©PierLuca Brunetti
Automatic Translation by DeepL
