Jorge Martín tasted victory again in MotoGP after a 588-day wait. The Spanish rider prevailed at Le Mans in a physical race that started from seventh position. The key was an overtake on Marco Bezzecchi, where Martín explained that he managed to shift into first gear during the change of direction, a crucial move to get past him. The Madrid native admitted he struggled at the start, with issues turning and extracting the potential of his Aprilia while riding behind other riders.
The first gear that changed the course of the race 🏁
Martín's overtake was not a matter of chance, but of precise technical execution. By shifting into first gear during the change of direction, the Aprilia rider achieved superior grip on the racing line, allowing him to close the gap with Bezzecchi at a point where others would lose traction. This detail, often overlooked, makes the difference in slow corners. Martín explained that he struggled at the start because the bike wasn't turning well in traffic, but he adjusted his style to force the front end and gain confidence in the brakes.
588 days: the time it takes to engage first gear ⏱️
Martín took 588 days to win, but he only needed one well-placed first gear to sort it out. Meanwhile, his rivals wonder if they should borrow Aprilia's gearbox. The Spaniard, however, clarifies that his feat wasn't magic, but patience and a bit of sweat. At this rate, if he keeps engaging first gear like this, even the traffic lights at Le Mans will ask for his autograph.