2024-11-17 13:42:00
Spaniard Jorge Martin (Ducati-Pramac) was crowned 2024 MotoGP world champion on Sunday after his 3rd place at the Barcelona Grand Prix, the 20th and final round of the season on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmelo (Spain).
Vice-world champion last year, the 26-year-old from Madrid dethroned the double title holder, the Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), winner on Sunday, and won his first world crown in the premier category of motorcycling.
Martin managed his race
Fourth on the grid on Sunday, the Spaniard, who entered the last race of the season with a 19-length lead, finally beat the Turinese, who started in pole position, by 10 points (508 to 498).
This is the first time in MotoGP history that a rider from a satellite team has been crowned world champion. The Italian team, which will join the fold of Yamaha next season after ten years with Ducati, had already created a surprise last year by winning the team classification thanks to Martin and Frenchman Johann Zarco.
Under the Catalan sun, Bagnaia flew through a race that he led from start to finish to claim an 11th Grand Prix victory this season compared to only three for his rival, but that was not enough to achieve the treble . The “Martinator” has in fact been more consistent than “Pecco” with 10 second places and 16 podiums in total in 20 GPs this year.
The six-time Spanish world champion Marc Marquez (Ducati-Gresini) climbed to the second step of the podium on Sunday on his home soil to secure third place in the championship ahead of the Italian Enea Bastianini (Ducati), seventh in Montmelo.
Quartararo and Zarco respectively 11th and 14th
For his 255th and last MotoGP Grand Prix, stage local Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia), born a few kilometers from the circuit, took fifth place at the end of a superb race where he will initially have protected his great friend Jorge Martin, before engaging in a magnificent duel with his compatriot Alex Marquez (Ducati-Gresini), ultimately fourth.
The French Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) and Johann Zarco (Honda-LCR) ended their complicated season by finishing 11th and 14th respectively.
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– What strategies did Jorge Martin employ to manage pressure during the final race of the season?
**Interview with Jorge Martin: A New Era in MotoGP**
**Editor:** Today we have the pleasure of speaking with the newly crowned 2024 MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin. Congratulations, Jorge, on your incredible achievement! You’ve worked hard for this moment. How does it feel to finally secure your first world title?
**Jorge Martin:** Thank you very much! It’s an unreal feeling. I’ve believed in myself for a long time, but to finally see my name at the top after a season filled with hard work and determination is truly special. Winning the championship in my home country makes it even more memorable.
**Editor:** You finished third in the final race of the season at the Barcelona Grand Prix, which was enough to clinch the title. Can you tell us how you managed your race under the pressure?
**Jorge Martin:** Absolutely! The plan was to stay consistent and avoid mistakes, especially since I only needed a podium finish to secure the championship. I focused on my rhythm and didn’t get too caught up in the battle for the lead. When I saw Francesco Bagnaia was winning, I knew that making the right moves and protecting my position would be key, and it worked out perfectly.
**Editor:** Coming from a vice-champion position last year, how did your mindset change this season as you aimed for the title?
**Jorge Martin:** Last year taught me a lot about resilience and strategy. I approached this season with a clear goal and the understanding that every point counts. I also worked closely with my team to improve my performance and consistency, and I think that made a huge difference in my results.
**Editor:** You’ve surpassed the previous champion, Francesco Bagnaia, this year. What does it mean to you to dethrone a two-time title holder?
**Jorge Martin:** It’s very significant for me, both professionally and personally. Francesco is an incredible rider with a lot of talent, and racing against him pushed me to elevate my game. To be able to compete with the best and come out on top is a dream come true, and it proves that hard work pays off.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the upcoming seasons now that you’ve achieved this milestone?
**Jorge Martin:** I want to continue to build on this success and defend my title. It’s a new challenge, but I believe in my team and myself. Consistency will be the key, and I aim to keep improving and competing at this level for many more years.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jorge, for sharing your thoughts with us, and once again, congratulations on your championship! We’re excited to see what the future holds for you in MotoGP.
**Jorge Martin:** Thank you! I appreciate the support, and I can’t wait for what’s to come!
