What does it take to dethrone one of the greatest riders in MotoGP history? Jorge Martin, the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion, has the answer. From battling Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time champion, to wrestling with his own self-doubt, Martin unlocked a winning formula in 2024 that propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport.
From Pressure to Triumph
For Martin, 2024 wasn’t just a fight for the title—it was a year of intense pressure. Competing against Bagnaia for the championship while vying with Marc Marquez for a coveted factory Ducati seat added layers of complexity to his season. Ultimately, Ducati chose Marquez, and Martin made the bold decision to become the lead rider for Aprilia in 2025.
But this pressure forged a new Jorge Martin. Speaking candidly, he shared:
“This year, I truly learned to trust myself. I used to be filled with doubt, always unsure. But before this season even started, I knew I had the capability to win the championship. That belief made all the difference.”
Consistency Over Recklessness
Known for his explosive riding style, Martin underwent a transformation in 2024, focusing on consistency over raw speed.
“I’ve always been impulsive, but this year I stayed calm, even when things didn’t go my way. That made a massive difference—not just for me but also for my team. I could communicate better, and that clarity helped us extract the best from the bike,” Martin explained.
This approach culminated in a record-breaking points haul, securing the title despite Bagnaia winning an impressive 11 races.
Mental Strength and Psychology
A critical factor in Martin’s evolution was his work with a sports psychologist, a resource he credits with strengthening his mental game.
“Some see working with a psychologist as a sign of weakness, but it’s actually the opposite. It shows you want to improve and are willing to confront your weaknesses,” he said.
Martin’s ability to keep his emotions in check was evident during pivotal moments of the season, including the German GP, where he turned a costly mistake into a lesson that carried him through the remaining races.
Mastering the New MotoGP Format
One of Martin’s standout achievements was his command of MotoGP’s revised race weekend format, which now places significant weight on Saturday’s sprint races.
“I treated Saturdays as importantly as Sundays. Many riders lost points due to poor Saturdays, but I capitalized. Over 40 weekends, I had only four non-scores, compared to Pecco’s eight or nine. That consistency made all the difference,” he noted.
A Legacy in the Making
At just 26 years old, Martin is already being compared to legends like Marc Marquez and Bagnaia, but he remains humble about his legacy.
“I hope this is just the beginning. Beating Pecco, one of the greatest riders, on the same bike is a huge achievement. But what I really want is to be remembered for more than just this title.”
Eyes on 2025
With a move to Aprilia next season, Martin faces a new chapter in his career. He’s confident that the lessons learned in 2024—about trust, consistency, and mental fortitude—will keep him at the forefront of MotoGP.
“The title lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, but the journey is far from over. I’m ready to tackle whatever comes next.”
