MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Jorge Martin, rider for Aprilia Factory Racing, has downplayed expectations of a podium finish at the 2025 Catalan MotoGP. Despite an impressive charge from 16th to fourth in the Hungarian Grand Prix, Martin remains cautious about the high expectations for the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, citing challenges faced during last November’s winter test.
Struggles at the Barcelona Winter Test
Martin revealed that riding the Aprilia at the Barcelona circuit during last year’s post-season test was "quite tough." However, he remains hopeful, noting significant improvements to the RS-GP since then. "It’s a completely new bike now. We’ll see how it performs," Martin stated during the pre-Catalan MotoGP press conference. He emphasized a gradual approach to building confidence, avoiding the pressure of immediate results.
The Barcelona circuit has historically favored Aprilia, with a sprint victory in 2024 and a grand prix win in 2023. Nevertheless, Martin is reluctant to make bold predictions, given the adaptation challenges with his new machine.
Qualifying Challenges and Confidence Building
In the past two races, Martin struggled to advance from Q1, while teammate Marco Bezzecchi secured pole in Austria and second place in Hungary. Martin attributes his single-lap pace issues to a lack of confidence in pushing the bike to its limits. "It’s a matter of time. I’m still getting used to the bike," he explained.
Despite these challenges, Martin noted significant progress after setup adjustments in Hungary improved rear grip. "In Balaton, I could finally ride in my normal style after we made changes," he added. He aims to use the Barcelona weekend to enhance his qualifying performance and establish a stronger race rhythm.
Outlook for the Catalan MotoGP
Martin adopts a step-by-step approach to unlocking the Aprilia’s potential at this track. With Aprilia’s strong track record in Barcelona, he hopes to leverage the circuit’s characteristics to accelerate his adaptation. "I’m not focused on results. Let’s see what this weekend brings," he remarked.
Looking ahead, Martin will prioritize refining small details and gaining more experience with the Aprilia. As a challenging yet promising circuit, Barcelona will serve as a key benchmark for his progress with Aprilia Factory Racing.
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