In the coming weeks, Motorcycle Sports will review the 2024 MotoGP season and analyze each of the 22 permanent riders. Naturally, the series begins with the champion, Jorge Martin.
In 2023, Martin fought for the title until the final race, ultimately conceding to Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati). It marked Martin’s first experience as a title contender, allowing him to learn from his mistakes and refine his strengths.
The journey was anything but smooth. The Prima Pramac rider doubted himself, revealing that he faced mental health challenges early in the year:
‘In January, I started to have a lot of fears, I was really scared, like, "I will never be champion in MotoGP"’, he said after the season ending.
He also wrestled with concerns about Ducati’s stance and potential sabotage, particularly after it became clear mid-season that he would join Aprilia in 2025 and that Pramac would transition to Yamaha.
Martin also carried the weight of once again being passed over for the factory Ducati team, despite results that clearly warranted fulfilling that dream.
Many doubted that a satellite team rider could clinch the championship.
In a highly competitive season like 2024, even minor mistakes proved costly, and consistency became crucial—something Martin exemplified.
He failed to score points in only two main races and missed the top four just once, finishing 15th at the San Marino GP.
Although mistakes occurred, Martin’s errors cost him fewer points than Bagnaia’s did.
The Spaniard won only three main races but dominated the sprint format with seven victories – matching Bagnaia in sprint wins but demonstrating far greater consistency on Saturdays, missing points in just two sprints.
Overall, Martin earned 337 points in main races and 171 in sprints, finishing the season with 508 points – ten more than Bagnaia, who scored 370 in main races and 128 in sprints.
Martin’s consistency was his greatest asset in 2024, alongside his overwhelming performances in sprint races, solidifying his status as a Saturday specialist.
Becoming a champion with only three main race victories is unusual, particularly when his rival won 11 times. Martin must improve his Sunday performances and better manage risks in the future.
The victory in the main race of the Indonesian GP was pivotal for Martin’s championship outcome.
After failing to score in the sprint race, he could have left Mandalika in a fragile position in the standings. Instead, he rebounded with a crucial victory that reignited his title push.
The 15th-place finish at the San Marino GP stemmed from an unforced mistake. Martin lost vital points after pitting to switch bikes, misled by weather conditions.
When the rain failed to intensify, he had to swap back, salvaging only a single point. The experience reinforced a key lesson: follow what local riders do.
