Martin Aims to Establish Himself as One of the Top MotoGP Riders by Defeating Marquez in 2024
Martin Aims to Dethrone Bagnaia and Challenge Marquez at Ducati
Last season, Jorge Martin narrowly missed out on clinching the MotoGP title, finishing second behind factory team Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia. However, he has emerged as the front-runner for the upcoming season and is determined to dethrone his rival.
As preparations begin for the 2024 MotoGP campaign, anticipation builds as eight-time grand prix world champion Marc Marquez joins Gresini on a year-old bike. This addition intensifies the competition within the Ducati stable.
Martin perceives Marquez’s arrival at Ducati as an extra incentive and a prime opportunity to solidify his position in MotoGP history. Viewing it as a chance to defeat one of the best riders ever or potentially even surpass him:
“The goal for 2024 is not just reaching Valencia fourteen points behind [the leader], but securing enough margin to truly relish it,” said Martin during a recent premiere of a DAZN documentary about him.
The Pramac rider acknowledges that this will be no easy feat and emphasizes how crucial it will be to avoid mistakes throughout what promises to be an arduous season. Nevertheless, having Marc Marquez onboard provides Martin with added motivation:
“It will undoubtedly be captivating. For me personally, I consider this opportunity extremely favorable because ultimately I have the prospect of triumphing over one of history’s greatest motorcycle racers – perhaps even regarded as THE greatest.”
Had Martin won the championship, he would have automatically secured a promotion to Ducati’s factory team alongside Bagnaia for the 2024 season. Although this did not come to fruition, Martin has made peace with it and remains proud of his efforts:
“I had already prepared two black racing suits in anticipation of transitioning to another bike at the Valencia test on Monday,” admitted Martin. “However, that scenario did not materialize, and I am no longer concerned about it.
“My focus was on fighting for the championship. I came extremely close to Pecco [Bagnaia] and did it all for Pramac. I take pride in continuing my journey with them because if I had left, I wouldn’t be returning to my trusted team who truly deserve another shot at claiming a world championship title.”