MotoGP: Jorge Martin Refuses to Celebrate Victory, Pays Tribute to Flood Victims in Valencia
Jorge Martin, a rider for Prima Pramac Racing, has won the 2024 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, but he has refused to celebrate his victory, instead choosing to pay tribute to the victims of the floods in Valencia, Spain, which have claimed over 200 lives.
Leading the Championship
Martin’s win has extended his lead in the 2024 MotoGP World Championships standings to 465 points, leaving reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team behind in second place with 436 points. The 26-year-old finished the sprint race with a time of 19 minutes 49.230 seconds.
Bagnaia’s Setback
Bagnaia, on the other hand, had a bad day, crashing out of the race after skidding in Turn 9 during the second lap. This setback leaves Martin in need of finishing with at least a nine-point difference in the main race tomorrow to be crowned as the new world champion.
The Last Race of the Season
The last race of the season, which was supposed to take place in Valencia, Spain, on November 15 to 17, has been cancelled due to heavy flooding. The organiser is set to announce the new location of the final race soon.
Looking Ahead to the Main Race
Martin, who will start from the second grid, acknowledged the need to improve on his performance from the sprint race to secure a win in Sepang. "Today my prayers are for everyone at home in Valencia, there is nothing to celebrate today," he said.
Bagnaia’s Determination
Despite today’s setback, Bagnaia remained optimistic and determined to adopt a more aggressive approach in the main race. "I feel that I can be aggressive. If you look at my first laps in the long races, I’m always gaining positions, I always attack," he said.
Conclusion
The 2024 MotoGP season is heading into its penultimate round after Sepang, and the competition is getting fierce. Martin’s lead may be significant, but Bagnaia is not giving up. The main race tomorrow will be an exciting one, with both riders determined to come out on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current standing of Jorge Martin in the 2024 MotoGP World Championships?
A: Martin is currently leading the championship with 465 points.
Q: What is the current standing of Francesco Bagnaia in the 2024 MotoGP World Championships?
A: Bagnaia is currently behind Martin in second place with 436 points.
Q: What is the reason for the cancellation of the last race of the season in Valencia?
A: The race was cancelled due to heavy flooding in the region.