Jorge Martin Thanks Bezzecchi: “I Really Needed That Slipstream”

Jorge Martin may not yet be back to the unbeatable form he displayed during the 2024 MotoGP season, but at Misano he gave fans a strong reminder of his fighting spirit. On the opening day at the iconic Italian circuit, the Spanish rider managed to place himself inside the Top 10 across both practice sessions, a result that automatically booked him a spot in Q2 qualifying. For Martin, this achievement was more than just a routine step forward; it was proof that he and his team are slowly but surely piecing together the puzzle that has challenged them all year.

Signs of Progress for Martin at Misano

After a season filled with ups and downs, Jorge Martin expressed satisfaction with the progress being made. “The whole garage applauded me because it’s the fruit of my work but also that of the whole team,” he said, beaming with relief. “We’re making progress every day. My confidence in the RS-GP is growing, and I feel increasingly more at ease on the bike.”

The Spanish rider has been under pressure to rediscover his form, and this Top 10 result at Misano was a much-needed boost. It was not only about securing a place in Q2 but also about demonstrating that the steps taken in recent weeks are finally paying dividends. For a rider who thrives on rhythm and confidence, small gains can make a huge difference.

A Technical Setback in Practice

Despite the positive outcome, Martin’s journey through the practice sessions was far from perfect. In the morning, he encountered a technical issue with the exhaust, which affected his ability to brake effectively and slowed him down considerably. “During free practice, I had some problems with the exhaust, so I couldn’t stop the bike, and I was struggling when braking,” he admitted.

Fortunately, the team resolved the problem by the time pre-qualifying rolled around, and Martin immediately felt the benefits. His pace improved dramatically, giving him the freedom to push harder and test his limits. What made the difference in this turnaround, however, was not just the bike but also the assistance of another rider on the track.

The Unexpected Help From Bezzecchi

In the world of MotoGP, rivals often become accidental allies on track. This time, it was Marco Bezzecchi who played a key role in Martin’s improvement. “I have to thank Bezzecchi, because I took advantage of his slipstream from the first time attack attempt, since I realized that I had no other alternative,” Martin revealed.

Interestingly, the two riders had not planned this collaboration. “We hadn’t talked to each other, but I know he’s fast, and so I attacked,” Martin explained. By following Bezzecchi closely, Martin was able to gain valuable time on the straights and sharpen his own understanding of where he stood in comparison.

He also admitted that riding behind Bezzecchi allowed him to analyze his rival’s strengths and weaknesses. “It was also helpful for me to understand what his strengths and weaknesses are. For example, he handles some corners better than me. In others, I’m more incisive, but you can always improve.” This combination of competitiveness and learning highlighted how even unspoken teamwork can influence performance in MotoGP.

Identifying the Right Direction

While slipstreaming gave him an immediate advantage, Martin was quick to emphasize that his progress was rooted in deeper improvements with the bike setup. “I think, by now, I’ve identified the foundation and the direction to follow,” he said. “Like I said, I’m progressing, and the proof is having entered Q2. For tomorrow, I hope to do a good qualifying lap while, as far as pace is concerned, I’m competitive.”

This statement reflects a growing sense of clarity for Martin. For much of the season, he has appeared lost in search of the perfect balance between aggression and control. Now, with a better grasp of the electronics and adjustments, he feels closer to unlocking the kind of performances that made him one of the biggest threats in the championship last year.

Close to the Leaders

Martin’s performance at Misano was not only about making the Top 10; it was about being within striking distance of the very best. By the end of Friday, he was only three tenths of a second shy of the fastest rider. “Today I was three tenths short of the first place. So, very little. But tomorrow I’ll get a better idea of my pace here because the problem I had in the morning didn’t make me ride with agility,” he said.

Even with limited running, Martin’s lap times showed consistency. With a tire that had endured over twenty laps, he still managed to deliver competitive times, a sign that his race pace could be just as strong as his qualifying performance. “Without that hiccup, I could’ve done more and stayed on the 1’31, nearly on the time of the best,” he reflected.

Building Confidence Through Testing

Another factor that contributed to Martin’s optimism was the benefit of prior testing at Misano. “Definitely, having tested on this track allowed me to prepare a foundation as far as the electronics are concerned and has lightened my workload,” he explained. This preparation gave him more time to focus on refining details rather than starting from scratch, a crucial difference at this stage of the season.

“Hopefully, we can take advantage of this in qualifying since adjusting details is quite different than revolutionizing the bike every session,” Martin added. The testing experience not only improved the setup but also gave him a psychological edge, as he knew what to expect from the track conditions.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying

With Q2 already secured, Martin enters qualifying with renewed confidence and a clear target. His goal is not just to make it into the final shootout but to challenge the front rows, where track position can dictate race outcomes. The Spaniard knows that every tenth counts, especially at a circuit like Misano, where overtaking opportunities are limited.

“I have no doubt. I’ll get there, it’s just a matter of time,” he insisted. That determination reflects a rider who refuses to settle for mediocrity and is motivated to fight back to his former heights.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Martin

At Misano, Jorge Martin proved that while challenges remain, progress is undeniable. From overcoming early technical problems to cleverly using Marco Bezzecchi’s slipstream, Martin demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and tactical awareness. His ability to analyze both his bike and his rivals shows that he is regaining the sharpness that once made him a title contender.

As qualifying approaches, the Spaniard is not just another rider in Q2—he is a competitor ready to fight for the top spots. With better electronics, stronger confidence, and lessons learned from Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin looks poised to continue his resurgence. For fans, Misano may well be the turning point where the Martinator begins to roar again.