Jorge Martin confessed that lingering doubts still shadow his performance after enduring six incidents at the Catalan Grand Prix, yet he managed to lock in an eighth‑fastest lap that secured a place in Saturday’s Q2 at Mugello.
Rebuilding confidence lap by lap
During Friday’s practice, the 2024 world champion described a mental battle that began each corner with the thought, “I might crash,” before finding the composure to stay upright. He emphasized that conquering that mindset, “lap by lap,” is essential to restoring the self‑belief lost in Barcelona.
Martin’s decisive effort came after a red‑flag interruption and heavy traffic forced him onto the final circuit with limited breath. He pushed the bike to a 1:45.132 record, later admitting he “run out of breath” and felt a sensation akin to sleep apnea, evidence of how far he had stretched his limits.
Pain management and forward focus
The rider revealed that the injury sustained in the last Barcelona tumble left him “in considerable pain” that morning, prompting the use of painkillers to control swelling throughout the weekend. Despite the discomfort, he remained optimistic, hoping that a stronger sense of confidence will allow him to “attack again” on Saturday.
“I’m used to crashes; they’re part of the sport,” Martin said, adding that the recent series of falls inevitably dented his confidence, but his determination to overcome the setback is now steering his focus toward the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
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