Jorge Martin was taken aback upon learning that Aprilia has never secured a premier-class podium at Motegi. The Spanish rider, who currently leads the MotoGP standings, arrives in Japan determined to end the manufacturer's drought.
Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha have all won multiple times at the Japanese circuit, with Martin himself achieving a Sprint and Grand Prix double there in 2023 for Pramac Ducati. KTM has also claimed Sprint and Grand Prix podiums, as well as pole position. But Aprilia remains without a rostrum finish.
“Yeah, it surprises me,” Martin admitted. “But anyway, the bike has certainly changed a lot from the past to this year. We know it's not an Aprilia track, but Austria wasn't either, so I feel we've improved a lot.”
His confidence is not unfounded. In Austria, Aprilia overturned Ducati's traditional advantage. Martin won the Sprint and finished second to KTM's Pedro Acosta in the Grand Prix. “We are normally always fighting for the podium, so why not again in this race?” he added.
This season, Martin and reigning champion Marc Marquez have pulled at least 30 points clear of Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Yet Martin dismisses the notion of a two-horse race. “I think it's still open,” he insisted. “There are a lot of riders who can be involved. Marc is incredibly fast, but for me it's already a privilege to be fighting with him.”
Regarding performance, Martin acknowledges that outright speed remains an issue. “I think the speed is the most important thing. The Asian tour is normally strong for me, but compared to Marco and Marc, overall I miss a bit of speed. We are strong, but I am not superior. So we need to understand how to push a bit more from the bike and from me.”
With new asphalt at Motegi, Martin is eager for practice. “It will be interesting to understand tomorrow, but I think we are doing a good job,” he concluded. A podium would not only break Aprilia's record but also strengthen his championship lead.
Baca Juga
Alex Rins pensiun akhir musim tapi buka peluang comeback MotoGP 2027. Ia kecewa Yamaha tak beri kesempatan uji motor 850cc di Red Bull Ring.
Joe Achilles menilai perubahan regulasi MotoGP 2027 dapat menghadirkan balapan lebih rapat dan membuka peluang Toprak Razgatlioglu kembali bersaing
Pembalap MotoGP meragukan ban konstruksi keras Michelin di Motegi. Jack Miller dan Luca Marini lebih memilih ban standar dengan cengkeraman lebih baik.
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