Once again, Jorge Martín shone in qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix and will start fourth, from the second row of the grid, the first independent driver in qualifying.
A position that, knowing his qualities at the start, can allow him to be in the top positions from the start.
“It would be better for me if the first corner was further away. What I do best is drive with second, third and fourth gear, and here we come into the corner in second gear. I can stay in the top 4 or 5 for much of the race, but in the last 10 laps I won’t be for the podium. I have to see the data from Bagnaia, but I don’t have the pace to be beyond the top 6”, admitted the Spaniard.
“Pecco has a very good pace, he has a plus under braking. Miller and Zarco are in that aspect. I’m a little sensitive to wheel lock, I don’t like to go over the limit and Pecco, on the other hand, makes the difference by looking for it with each braking”, he assessed.
With four Ducati ahead in the top five, sandwiching Fabio Quartararo (3rd), a race strategy can be thought of.
“The problem with the race is that the tires don’t wear off and it will be very fast. We all have to manage a little at first, but it is very little. We will go out and the pace will be fast. But I look good, I have returned to my standard bike in the time trial and I have felt better”.
A return to the standard bike that Motorsport.com asked him about.
“We are testing a new piece, I can’t say which one, and in the end, being a rookie , it’s hard for me to understand what is better. Maybe it’s not so good for me and we’ll go back to my standard bike and work from there. We have to meet a little again and return to the Austrian line, ”he explained.
Regarding Ducati ‘s strategy, he returned to what was said on Thursday.
“For me, this is not the time to be in such a strategy. I’m not so strong. I am a Ducati rider, but I am on another team. I will only help Pecco if he arrives in Valencia, in the last race, with a chance for the title and I have the pace to help him. I think that now he should do his World Cup”, he suggested.
Regarding the many crashes recorded over the weekend and if the race could be by elimination, Martín ruled it out.
“Surely there will be falls, but during training the limit is sought a lot and in the race people contain themselves a little more. It’s something you don’t have to think about. I hope we all finish the race”, he settled, fending off the jinxes.
(Click on the link or on the image to see all the photos of Jorge Martín at the 2021 MotoGP San Marino GP)
