Jorge Martin fell to fifth at the Sachsenring, 11 seconds shy of champion Marc Marquez, yet benefitted from rivals’ falters to leap to a 14‑point advantage over Ai Ogura.
Sachsenring Setback
The €4 million‑priced 18‑lap sprint saw Martin stalling at the finish line while Francesco Bagnaia swerved at the end to claim third. Daniel Surran and other Trackhouse riders filled the pace‑line, pushing the Spaniard nearer to the tail end of the Aprilia squad after his earlier Le Mans success.
Championship Implications
Bezzecchi’s early-season lead unraveled after a qualifying crash, while Ogura’s climbing form and Marquez’s injury‑laden return left the field wide open. Fabio Di Giannantonio’s own crash made a bid for the top spot for nothing, easing the way to the 14‑point window Martin now holds.
Team and Rival Pressure
“If I continue finishing like this, the lead is short‑lived,” Martin told the press. “Speed is still missing in the last laps, and I will analyse the set‑up closely to regain the early‑season momentum.”
Looking Ahead
April races promise to test Martin’s confidence and the Aprilia’s responsiveness, with the team poised to switch towards a more aggressive line‑up if the current approach stalls.
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