Jorge Martin’s 2023 season concluded with the disappointment of second place after he played a starring role throughout the second half of the championship, but the Spaniard also knows he can be a serious title contender in years to come. "I’m really happy, it was a year to remember. The end result wasn’t what I wanted of course but I’m pleased anyway because it’s not easy to place second in MotoGP today. In Italy I realised I could fight for the title. At a certain point, I saw that I was stronger in terms of speed and realized I was in with a shot at the title”. The Spaniard was speaking to "Europa Press" and emphasised his genuine surprise at seeing his name consistently up there with those of world champions: "Everyone had me down as a favourite right from the start, but I didn’t know how it would go”.

Jorge Martin: "Riding the bike is an incredible sacrifice"

At the end of what was arguably one of the most intense seasons in recent history, the Pramac rider highlights one of the most stressful aspects of life as a professional rider: "It’s a sport that requires a lot of physical but also mental effort. Travelling all the time and spending so long away from home is tough, I can’t control it. If I had to improve something for the future, it would be this. Everyone says that élite sport, any sport in any field, is not healthy, because in the end you suffer injuries and a lot of stress to your muscles, and mentally too". Martin continues: "There were some tough times when I couldn’t sleep. But we need to try and learn from our experiences and improve for the future. I’m not saying that I don’t like riding a bike, but it’s an incredible sacrifice for me, you have to be very disciplined and train every day in order to enjoy the results. But it’s hard to enjoy them”.

To conclude, Martin sends a message, as direct as it is bold, to Ducati: "With me on one satellite team and Marquez on another, they see threats for 2024. I’m pleased to stay at Pramac, it’s the best place to fight for a title. My main goal is to go to Ducati, but if that’s not possible then I’ll have to consider other options. There are many bikes that are taking big steps, we’ll see what’s best". The Spaniard also expresses his admiration for his very successful fellow countryman: “He motivates me. Being able to compare myself to Marquez, one of the best in history, will be great. If I can beat him with the same bike, then I can consider myself one of the best riders. I think I can do it”.