Jorge Martin’s Bold Setup Change in Barcelona: Chasing Grip Amidst Aprilia and KTM Dominance

Jorge Martin implemented a significant alteration in his setup, yet finds himself trailing behind the Aprilias and KTMs due to a lack of grip. "We experimented with a new configuration, a major adjustment that we usually avoid."

Jorge Martin described the challenges he encountered with traction on Friday in Barcelona, leading to him falling behind the Aprilias and KTMs.

In Friday's practice session at the Catalunya MotoGP, Pramac's Martin secured the sixth-fastest time, while Francesco Bagnaia was the fastest among the Ducati riders, placing fourth overall.

Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia crossed the finish line before the KTM duo, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta.

Martin led the morning session and was happy with the start to his weekend.

Aware of his potential difficulties with grip in Barcelona, Martin disclosed that he tried an unusual modification afterward.

"He described his practice session as positive," he noted. "There was a substantial amount of work on our plate today, something I was aware of even before we kicked off."

"We experimented with a new configuration, a major adjustment that we usually avoid."

"However, for this particular circuit, it was essential to experiment since the gap between Aprilia, KTM, and Ducati is significant. Our goal was to narrow that distance."

"It functioned well, so I'm pleased we gave it a shot."

"However, I lacked sufficient understanding to give my all during the time trial."

I opted for a different approach in the time attack, diverging from my usual method. It appears I overlooked an element.

"By tomorrow, we need to figure out a way to speed up during the time trial."

Martin elaborated on the reason his Ducati lags behind Aprilia and KTM, stating, "I believe our main issue lies with grip. Despite our speed, the lack of grip hampers our ability to effectively shift the weight."

"Consequently, when you begin to adjust the back end, compromises are made elsewhere. Our performance lags behind Aprilia and KTM on circuits with limited traction."

When questioned about his opinion on whether the current season's tyres offer increased traction, potentially leading to instances where the rear tyre propels the front end of the motorcycle ahead, he was asked to share his thoughts.

"The tires perform better when pushed to the limit," he responded. "I'm not sure if it's due to the motorcycle or the tires themselves, but it's definitely improving."

"I'm able to accelerate sooner now. Before, in the previous season, as soon as I tried to speed up, I'd start to skid. That was the primary issue."

Does Martin alter his biking technique to make up for reduced traction?

"The method? It's not straightforward," he mentioned. "There's a significant amount of effort required in perfecting your stance on the bicycle.

"Not just positioned on the seat but also engaging your shoulders. At times, widening for a slide, followed by narrowing for a firm hold. Alternating between sliding and holding…

"It's challenging, but I enjoy it. It demands your abilities rather than simply pushing to the limit and letting the bike handle the rest."

Heading into the sixth race of the 2024 season at the Catalunya MotoGP this weekend, Martin was at the forefront of the championship standings.

He leads the current champion Bagnaia by 38 points, and has a 40-point advantage over Enea Bastianini and Marc Marquez.

Martin is also anticipating Ducati's major decision regarding his potential elevation to their factory team in the upcoming year.

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