Jorge Martin: Being on pole for my second race in MotoGP is incredible
Jorge Martin led a Pramac Ducati one-two during qualifying to secure his first pole position in MotoGP.
It was very feasible that Pramac could clinch pole after Johann Zarco was fastest in FP4, but the Spanish rookie wasn't the name expected as he pinched top spot from the French rider on his final lap thanks to a brilliant final sector.
Speaking after the session about his maiden pole, Martin said: “Well, today I think my target was to be in the first three rows. Top nine would have been okay because after a great start last weekend I thought a top nine position would be great.
"Today I felt quite confident after yesterday with the rhythm of the bike, but today was a bit different because of the wind. So today in FP3 I didn’t ride because we didn’t want to make any confusion with the setup.
"FP4 was okay, I felt great, and I thought okay I’m ready for qualifying. Then the first round of qualifying wasn’t so bad because I was first.
"I talked to my crew chief and said I could improve maybe three tenths I think, but not to be on the pole.
"On the last lap I was on the limit but I have done really solid work everyday and I improved a lot, so this is why I’m happy and being on pole for my second race in MotoGP is incredible."
Martin already has experience battling at the front due to his incredible start last Sunday from the fifth row, which saw him leap into fourth place by turn one.
But with his first race being a learning experience, it was no surprise that Martin struggled with tyre degradation as even the most experienced riders suffered from this.
Asked about what is possible in tomorrow’s Grand Prix after having a full race distance under his belt, Martin added: "Well, today is just Saturday, tomorrow is the difficult part.
"The last race I learned a lot from other riders and trying to manage the tyre is the point I have to work on and be focused on.
"I think we did a great job and we are improving in this aspect. But for sure my target is not to win, my target is to learn, to be focused and try to keep the same pace for all the race and not make mistakes.
"Hopefully at the middle of the race I can have good tyres to battle for the top six, that would be super good."
