moto GP Valencia (motorsport.com)
Martin Sees Marquez’s Arrival as an Incentive and Opportunity to Cement Legacy
MotoGP’s Fierce Ducati Battle in 2024
Jorge Martin, the runner-up in the 2023 MotoGP title race, is gearing up for an intense 2024 season, eyeing the championship and facing increased competition within the Ducati stable. With factory team Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia as the reigning champion, the arrival of eight-time grand prix world champion Marc Marquez at Gresini adds another layer to the already intense rivalry.
Martin’s Perspective on Marquez’s Arrival
Martin views Marquez’s entry into Ducati as “one more incentive” and a “very good opportunity” to elevate his status in MotoGP history. Expressing his goals for the upcoming season, Martin aims not just to contend but to secure a significant margin in points by the time the championship reaches Valencia. He acknowledges the challenges but sees Marquez as a chance to prove himself against one of the best riders in the history of the sport.
The Ambition for 2024 and Facing Marquez
Martin outlines his ambitions for the 2024 season, emphasizing the need to avoid mistakes in a lengthy campaign. With Marquez joining Ducati, Martin sees it as a golden opportunity to measure himself against one of the greatest riders in history. He expresses confidence that if he manages to outperform Marquez, it would solidify his place among the best riders in MotoGP history.
The Missed Promotion and Pramac Loyalty
Had Martin clinched the championship in 2023, he would have secured automatic promotion to the factory Ducati squad alongside Bagnaia for 2024. Despite narrowly missing out on this opportunity, Martin reveals that he had prepared for the prospect by having two black race suits ready for the post-season test in Valencia. However, he emphasizes that the promotion is no longer a concern, expressing pride in continuing with Pramac and acknowledging the team’s deserving fight for another world championship.
Martin’s Determination Amidst Ducati’s Intense Rivalry
As the Ducati stable braces for heightened competition with Marquez’s arrival, Jorge Martin stands resilient, driven by the prospect of facing one of the legends of the sport. The 2024 MotoGP season promises to be a battleground for supremacy within Ducati, and Martin’s determination to secure a championship and prove himself against Marquez adds an intriguing dimension to the unfolding saga. The coming months will reveal whether Martin can rise to the occasion and etch his name further into the annals of MotoGP history.