Martin: When I crossed the line I was so happy, even more than last week
Jorge Martin has taken his third MotoGP podium of the season after claiming third in a wild Austrian GP.
Like fellow Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia, Martin pitted late on for wet tyres after heavy rain fell with five laps to go.
It was a decision that ultimately paid off as he secured back-to-back podiums following his first premier class win last weekend.
The manner in which it happened was particularly crazy though, as the rookie started the final lap in P11, but managed to squeeze his way through a big group of riders on dry tyres.
It was a race that will live long in the memory of riders and fans - one that even Martin joked would take ‘one month’ to fully explain.
"Well, if I have to explain this race I will stay here for one month. We started with a hard front which I tried for just one lap during the whole weekend," said Martin.
"We took a big gamble and I was feeling confident, but as soon as I wanted to be in the front and try to pull away I went wide and then I was in P4.
"Then the front was overheating a lot and I was struggling to find the pace. When the rain started, I took a lot of risk and tried to catch the front group. I overtook Fabio [Quartararo] and also Pecco [Bagnaia], but they were battling hard to be in the podium positions.
"When it was really wet I saw Marc [Marquez] and Pecco go through the pits and I say ‘okay, it’s time to try’. I was so nervous in the flag-to-flag change, I almost crashed and I hope my team is okay because I think one of the mechanics had a bit of pain.
"But anyway, when I went out of the pits I was still in third position (third in that group), but with the wet tyres it was hard to stay on the bike."
Martin took time to congratulate the race winner Brad Binder, after the South African held on to win with dry tyres, while also detailing his final lap heroics.
Martin said: "For sure, I want to congratulate Brad [Binder] on what he did. It's incredible to stay on the bike.
"Even with the wet it was difficult. When I started the last lap I was P11 and I say ‘I destroyed my race, I should be with the slicks’, but then I saw all the riders in corner three and I say to myself ‘it’s time to push, do your best’.
"Then I arrived at the group in corner seven and I passed six/seven riders in two corners.
"It was a bit difficult to avoid all of them but when I crossed the finish line in the podium position I was so happy, even more than last week."
