The lead in MotoGP has changed hands. Jorge Martin, who left Marc Marquez two points behind in third place at Mandalika, challenged his rival before the final five races of the season: "I don't think I can be pushed anymore!" In the Indonesian Grand Prix, the rider who finished behind Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez on the Aprilia bike reclaimed the championship lead on the podium.
In Saturday's Sprint race, Martin took back the lead he had lost to Marquez, only to regain it on Sunday. He is approaching the remainder of the season with more confidence than ever before.
Jorge Martin's Goal Was Third Place
Jorge Martin stated that he struggled to keep up with the pace of Bezzecchi and Fernandez throughout the Mandalika weekend and that he entered the main race with a realistic goal.
Frankly, my goal today was third place. Raul and Marco were one step ahead of me all weekend.
The Spanish rider expressed satisfaction with his result, stating that he is focused on improving his riding style and race pace.
I did the best I could today and I am happy about it. I missed a big opportunity to win the Sprint yesterday, but racing is like that. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
Martin had lost the Sprint lead due to low tire pressure on Saturday and dropped to third place after a mistake. However, after finishing in sixth place in the first lap, Martin moved ahead of Marc Marquez in the third lap to reach the podium. The Spanish rider, who finished behind Bezzecchi and Fernandez, achieved a historic result by securing a top four finish for Aprilia.
Tire Pressure and Cautious Riding
Following the low tire pressure issue in the Sprint race, Aprilia chose a more cautious setup for the Sunday race. However, according to Jorge Martin, the tire pressure was too high this time.
I think we rode too cautiously today. My tire pressure was too high and I struggled a lot in the corners.
Despite this difficulty, Martin moved ahead of Marc Marquez in the third lap to reach the podium. Emphasizing this achievement, Martin stated that he is now focused on the races ahead.
Today was a great day. We took back the lead. There are still five races ahead of us, but I feel faster every day we race to compete.
Martin mentioned that he had anticipated difficulties on some tracks in the previous part of the the season but no longer carries those worries.
I thought I would struggle in some races and I really did struggle. But I don't think I will struggle anymore. I will be very competitive and I am fully focused on the races ahead of me.
Strong Position in the Championship Battle
Jorge Martin, who secured a top three podium with Aprilia, expressed his satisfaction with this achievement. The rider believes he has entered the final part of the season stronger and shared positive expectations for the future.
I am happy that I achieved a top three podium with Aprilia. This is really great. I am confident that I will be fast in all the races from now on.
Martin emphasized that he had anticipated difficulties on some tracks in the previous part of the season but no longer carries those worries.
Championship Difference
Following the Indonesian Grand Prix, as Jorge Martin returned to the championship lead, reigning champion Marc Marquez maintained his second place. There are only two points between the two riders. Marco Bezzecchi is in third place, 46 points behind the leader. With five races remaining until the end of the season, Martin believes he is in a stronger position in the championship battle due to Aprilia's improving performance. Although Martin did not win at Mandalika, he took back the lead, aiming not only to maintain the point difference in the remaining races but also to be competitive on every track.
Statements
Jorge Martin:
I will be fast in all the remaining races
Figures
- Jorge Martin is in 1st place with 355 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Aprilia Racing Team).
- Archive: Jorge Martin: "Not fast enough to compete against Marquez" (October 11, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
