Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024 MotoGP World Championship
2024 Barcelona Grand Prix
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Montmelo, Spain
Sunday, 17 November 2024
Prima Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin insists his rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia has made him a better rider as he looks to win a first-ever championship title at the Barcelona Grand Prix on Sunday, November 17.
The Spaniard heads to Montmelo for the final race of the season with a 24-point lead over the reigning two-time world champion and there is just 37 on offer over the weekend.
Martin won the sprint in Sepang as Bagnaia crashed out on lap 2, but the Italian triumphed on race day at the Malaysian Grand Prix following an enthralling duel with his title rival, who claimed P2.
Image copyright: Getty Images
It was the 26-year-old rider's 15th podium of 2024 and he has now finished behind 'Pecco' in three of the last four races, with his last win coming in the Indonesian Grand Prix on September 29.
Martin believes the cooler track conditions in Barcelona will favour him, but admits that Bagnaia will be in confident mood given his current form.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
"It is a pride to reach this point of the season fighting for the championship," he said. "It's a pride to have a rival like Bagnaia, because this makes me better.
"That Pecco is at his highest level and being able to fight with him, to be able to push him to the limit, makes what we are both doing more valuable.
"I've won seven times this year, true, but it will be very difficult in the last grand prix to beat a Pecco in the form he is in now.
"We'll see how the weekend develops, it will be in colder conditions, which usually suits me better. With a lot of heat it's a perfect condition for Bagnaia.
"There will be more chances of failing in lower temperatures, but the risk will be the same for both of us. It's always difficult to play for a title in the last event, anything can happen. But I arrive confident and believing that I can achieve it."
2024 Malaysian Grand Prix results:
Winner: Francesco Bagnaia - Ducati Lenovo Team
Second Place: Jorge Martin - Prima Pramac Racing
Third Place: Enea Bastianini - Ducati Lenovo Team
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