Jorge Martín hopes for battles at the Australian Grand Prix

“I hope for battles; I miss a bit of a tussle,” Jorge Martín said ahead of the Australian MotoGP Grand Prix. The rider says he is now at 100% for the event after spending a few days in Bali. He has confidence in his bike, but will arrive at Phillip Island without ever having ridden the Aprilia there, despite saying he loves the circuit.

“I’m ready. I love this place,” he said. Martín recalled enjoying it in the past and being very fast there. He will, however, need to learn how the Aprilia behaves on the Australian circuit. “It’s very fast, but I’ve never tried it here. That’s always a disadvantage, but I have confidence,” he added. Even in wet conditions, he believes he would have almost no reference points on the bike.

Phillip Island appeals to him for both its layout and its surroundings. The track is unlike those riders are used to and is particularly fast; in his view, it demands considerable technique. Martín said he had loved racing there since his Moto3 days. He also enjoys the life around the circuit, mentioning the wildlife and the chance to surf.

The weather is not a concern for him. Martín noted that he cannot control it and wants to stay focused whatever the conditions. He considers rain an equal factor for all riders, while acknowledging that it makes racing riskier. He nevertheless said he had been fast on his most recent outings at the circuit.

The Spaniard is expecting a competitive event. Last year, Marco Bezzecchi was fast there on the Aprilia, as was Raúl Fernández, while Marc counts it among his favourite circuits. Martín is hoping for battles all the way to the finish: he said he misses races in which riders run close together rather than each taking their turn out front.

Asked about a possible trip to Qatar, he said he would like to go, while stressing that the decision rests with the organisers. He said he fully trusts MotoGP to determine whether it is safe.