Jorge Martin And Francesco Bagnaia Tease Exciting Austrian Motorcycle GP -'Have To Take A Risk'

Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia speak out on the need for aggressive tactics.

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Jorge Martin (89) of Spain and Prima Pramac Racing before the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2024 MotoGP season crosses its midpoint, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia are currently leading the pack with just three points separating them.

Martin, who has slightly edged ahead in recent races, remains committed to giving his all, regardless of his position. Speaking to the media ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Martin explained, as quoted by Crash.net:

“It's an interesting question, but from my side, I try to do my 100% even if it's just for a podium or a fifth position, whatever I can take is always good.

“But for sure I still don't look at the championship. It's really open with still half of the season to go.

“If you start to think about just finishing [a race now] or maybe you have the chance to get more points but you don't [because you are cautious], then you’ll lose points that maybe you need at the end of the season.

“It depends on the weekend and the situation but if I arrive [at the front] on Sunday and I have to take a risk, I will take it. And if I see I have no chance, I will stay more calm.”

Bagnaia, hot on Martin’s heels, equally stresses the importance of aggression in this tightly contested season. Reflecting on previous intense races, he revealed the necessity of constantly pushing limits.

“Right now the championship is very, very tight so it's not the correct moment to think about the risk, it's just a matter of pushing at 100% always.

“I think it will be like this until the last two or three race weekends because for example last year in Japan, with [six] grands prix to go, we finished 1st and 2nd in a wet flag-to-flag race that was full of risk.

“So I think it depends on the situation. It depends on the moment of the season. But this is not the correct moment to slow down a bit, to don’t risk.”

While both riders look set to continue their aggressive tactics, they are well aware of the threats posed by fellow Ducati riders, Enea Bastianini and Marc Marquez. Martin concluded:

“For sure I think us four are the strongest, by a step from the others,” said Martin. “So let's see. I think everything is still really open.”

Bagnaia added:

“It's very difficult to predict what will be in this moment. It's true that me and Jorge are the two more constant riders [at the top], but we also did many mistakes in the races.

“So if Enea finds the consistency he needs or Marc, the same, would be a good fight until the end. But in this moment, it's very difficult to predict and right now we [can only] say that it will be between us [four].”