George Martin is one of the featured protagonists of the docuseries ‘MotoGP™ Unlimited’, which premieres on Amazon Prime. Best MotoGP rookie last year, with one victory, three podiums and four pole positions, the rider from San Sebastián de los Reyes aspires to more ambitious goals this season. “If I achieve the results I expect, I will be able to close the promotion to Ducati & rdquor ;, he admits.
In the first chapter of the series he admits that he still does not believe he is in MotoGP and in the end he ends up talking about being a champion. How was that evolution in his head?
When you get to MotoGP it is difficult to assume that you are racing with your idols, with legends like Valentino or Márquez. At first it was about learning, but then as the results came in I started to believe it and in the end I was already thinking of other goals. I managed to be rookie of the year, but the riders always want more and it is clear that for this season the objectives increase.
Tell us…
My main goal is to finish the course in the top five or top four and fight for the podium in every race. If we achieve that, we’ll see if in the end we can aspire to something bigger.
Is joining the official Ducati team also within those objectives?
Yes, yes, it is also a challenge, but that comes after getting podiums and wins… if they arrive, it is the logical step, because the good drivers are in factory teams. We will fight to the maximum for this and for wearing Ducati red next year, without a doubt.
His family had economic difficulties to carry out his career. Do you feel privileged?
Obviously. The dream of all riders is to reach the World Championship and MotoGP. I have shared the race with many people and in the end only a few of us made it. I have the life I’ve always dreamed of. It’s not a job, it’s a passion.
In addition to his successes, in 2021 he also experienced the worst face of MotoGP. He suffered a serious injury after a chilling fall in Portimao. Do you have a feeling of fear when you go out on the track?
I think very little about it. I’m not afraid because otherwise I’d have to leave the bikes, but it’s true that now I take the first few laps more calmly with new tyres. I’ve learned my lesson. When I returned to Portimao for the second race of the year and I had to go through the area where I crashed, maybe I was a little scared, but then it passes, you get used to it. We are pilots and we know what we expose ourselves to.
Was it the worst moment of your sports career?
I’ve had a couple of critical moments, but that was the worst, both professionally and personally, because I even thought about retiring at the age of 23 because of all that suffering. But in the end I knew how to overcome that injury and win again. I am super proud.
Another rider who has had a bad time in the last two years is Marc Márquez. After seeing him in the Sepang and Mandalika tests, does he believe that he will be the same as always and will be fighting for the title?
Yes, of course. He is a super strong and very experienced driver who knows what he is doing at all times. I try to learn from him because he is an example for everyone. I saw him on the track one hundred percent, the Honda has also improved a lot and I think they have great potential to fight for the championship this year.
Does Ducati have the best bike on the grid?
It is difficult to say because I have not tried other MotoGP, but they do have many good, young and promising riders who may be fighting for victories. This year Honda and Suzuki have taken a step forward. Ducati has also taken a small step, perhaps not so big, although the bike is better than last year’s and we are really looking forward to the start of the season. Until we get to Qatar, it will not be known where each one is because a thousand things are tested in the tests and it is very difficult to compare.
If it wasn’t Jorge Martín, what pilot would you like to be?
I’ve never thought about it, but hey, I’d say Valentino for everything he’s won in his career. I wish I could get closer to what he has achieved.
This year there will be a lot of movement in the pilot market. Are you in favor of closing your future quickly or taking it easy?
My priority objective is to go to the official team and I want to close it as soon as possible, but I am open to other proposals. A pilot always wants the best sports option.