Jorge Martin wins first MotoGP world championship

Jorge Martin of Spain and Prima Pramac Racing speaks and celebrates the 2024 World MotoGP champion throughout the press convention on the finish of the MotoGP race on November 17, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.
| Picture Credit score: Getty Pictures

Spanish rider Jorge Martin claimed his first MotoGP world championship title after ending third within the season-ending Barcelona GP on Sunday (November 17, 2024).

Defending two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia, who began the race 19 factors behind Martin, took the chequered flag for the eleventh time this season nevertheless it was not sufficient to wrest the title from the Spaniard.

“It sounds superb,” stated an emotional Martin after being addressed as a world champion for the primary time.

“I don’t know what to say; I’m fully shocked. That is for my individuals, for my household, for the people who find themselves supporting me; that is for them. I began crying on the finish; it was a really emotional race. It’s been an extended journey, a variety of crashes, massive accidents however lastly we’re right here,” he stated.

“I hope we will maintain enhancing and benefit from the second. That is crucial factor: dwell the current and benefit from the second,” he added.

Martin, who might be leaving his Ducati satellite tv for pc staff Pramac for Aprilia subsequent season, had made himself the favorite for the title with a remarkably constant season.

He had solely gained three grand prix all season, however his third-place on Sunday was the thirty second time this season throughout the 40 sprints and grand prix that he made the rostrum.

After ending third in Saturday’s (November 16, 2024) dash, he knew he had solely to complete within the prime 9 to safe the title.

Bagnaia, nevertheless, has completed the season in blistering type, his victory in Barcelona giving him his fourth win over the ultimate 5 races of the season.

Ranging from pole, the Italian made an ideal begin however was quickly underneath stress from Marc Marquez who slipped previous Martin.

Martin allow them to battle it out up entrance, guarding his observe place as Aleix Espargaro and Alex Marquez toughed it out behind him.

When Martin crossed the road, the celebrations started within the Pramac storage and amongst the numerous Spanish followers who had made the journey to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The race was attributable to happen in Valencia however needed to be moved after the area suffered its worst floods in a technology which have killed greater than 220 individuals.

The race was switched to Barcelona and has been dubbed the Solidarity GP to indicate help for the individuals of Valencia, with all proceeds of the occasion going to the Valencia aid fund.