It ’ s been a year when 2023 ’ s surprise package has lived up to preseason billing . Despite struggling with chatter in the opening rounds , Martin has been consistently quick , scoring brilliant victories in Portugal and France , as well as three Sprint successes .
And despite a crash out of the lead in the Spanish GP plus a fall from a podium place in the Mugello Sprint , Martin ’ s consistency has been much improved this term . “ We are fast every Sunday , so this is super important for me ,” he said . “ For sure ( It ’ s been ) an amazing start of the season . The best of my career , even counting Moto3 and Moto2 so I ’ m really happy about this . I think I am doing a great job . I am doing the best results I can and the best performance I can . It ’ s difficult to say . I think we are on the right way , and let ’ s see what happens .”
Martin feels he is a more complete rider this year . One reason is the increased competition in 2024 , as Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini have joined him and Bagnaia as title contenders . The Spanaird has detailed how studying Bagnaia and Marquez ’ s data is making him a better rider .
“ It ’ s amazing to watch the three of us ,” he said in Barcelona . “ I can see Pecco is stronger on braking . Marc is stronger on entry . I am faster on exit . So at the end of the day , you try to take details from everyone . I think the key of our performance also is because we have the others ’ data and we can learn where we struggle . But it ’ s also a pity that when you have this distance , they catch . From one side it ’ s really good because you are always in the front three . From another part it ’ s difficult because it ’ s difficult to win !”
Martin has long spoken of his desire to be part of Ducati ’ s factory team . But when that was in some doubt during the Italian Grand Prix he made the sensational decision to sign for Aprilia for 2025 and beyond , where he will no doubt be keen to prove he can win races – and fight for the title – with a second brand of motorcycle .
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