Jorge Martin, the Pramac rider, achieved another MotoGP race victory at the French Grand Prix. This win holds significant importance for Martin as he continues to prove himself for a potential factory ride next season. Known for his raw aggression and talent, Martin has often been criticized for relying too heavily on his speed and not strategizing or being patient enough. While this approach has worked well for him in sprint races, it has occasionally hindered his performance in the main event. However, Martin has shown improvement throughout the season and has learned valuable lessons from Pecco Bagnaia, a double champion who excels at considering the bigger picture and timing his moves. Despite some rough edges, Martin demonstrated his progress at the Le Mans race by making two crucial decisions at the right time.
In the race, Martin realized that it was smarter to stay behind Bagnaia instead of trying to lead, as he did in the previous race at Jerez. By letting the Italian set the pace, Martin could tuck in behind him and distance themselves from the rest of the pack. This strategy was bold considering Bagnaia’s reputation for controlling races from the front and being difficult to overtake. However, Martin’s confidence in this approach paid off in the final third of the race when Marc Marquez started closing in on the leading duo. Martin made a decisive move on Bagnaia into the Dunlop chicane, making Marquez’s pursuit more challenging. Martin’s awareness of Marquez’s presence and his quick and calculated moves secured his position and prevented Marquez from overtaking him. This strategic play not only earned him the win but also showcased his potential as a future MotoGP world champion.
This victory holds more significance than just the 25 points earned. It strengthens Martin’s chances of competing for a second title in a row and increases his prospects for a factory promotion in 2025.