Martin Before the Australian Grand Prix: Feeling Pressure Is an Advantage

Jorge Martin, the leader of the MotoGP World Championship, said he is ready to handle the pressure ahead of the Australian Grand Prix next Sunday. The Spanish rider aims to extend his lead over Italian Francesco Bagnaia, the champion of the last two seasons.

Martin, who races for Prima Pramac Racing, leads by ten points over Bagnaia before the race at Phillip Island, having finished second in the Japanese Grand Prix behind the Italian.

Martin’s points total after Japan stands at 392, with Bagnaia in second place with 382 points, and only four races remain in the season.

Martin told reporters: “There’s pressure, but I don’t mind it. The feeling of pressure is an advantage not everyone has. We are leading and fighting for big things. When you’re behind, it’s easier because the pressure is off, but when you’re ahead, it’s harder because you need to think more.”

“My plan this year, even when leading, is to think of myself as behind and push as hard as I can, giving 100 percent of my effort and not thinking about rest or things I can’t control.”

Martin aims to win the MotoGP World Championship for the first time in his career, having finished second last season, 39 points behind Bagnaia. He stated he feels stronger now.

“It’s a big dream; it would mean a lot to me. I know I can win. The odds are even, and if I don’t win this year, I’ll try again next season. I’ll fight to get the chance to be the champion.”

“We’ve improved a lot mentally. Last season was tough, and I struggled to handle the pressure. I had a hard time managing it and didn’t know how to cope. I started working on the mental aspect of my personality this year to have the tools needed to manage situations.”

“It was important to be more prepared… Now, I’m trying to focus more on myself and learn from every situation.”