The Pramac Ducati rider, Jorge Martin, finds himself trailing Francesco Bagnaia by 14 points heading into the Qatar GP. With only a few races left in the season, Martin’s chances of clinching the championship are slowly slipping away. He needs to outscore Bagnaia by at least 23 points this weekend to keep his title hopes alive.
Struggles in Practice
Last week’s Malaysian GP was a tough one for Martin as he was beaten to third place by Bagnaia. Unfortunately, his luck didn’t improve during the start of the Qatar GP. In the first half of the second practice session, Martin faced significant difficulties with his speed on the track.
At one point, he found himself over three seconds off the pace, struggling to keep up with his competitors. This setback was certainly a cause for concern for Martin and his team.
A Tyre Issue
It was later revealed that Martin’s lack of speed was due to a tyre issue. The specific details of the problem were not disclosed, but it is clear that it significantly impacted his performance on the track.
Despite the setback, Martin and his team remained determined to resolve the issue and make necessary adjustments before the race.
Fight for the Championship
As the championship battle heats up, Jorge Martin knows that he cannot afford any more setbacks. With time running out, every point matters, and he needs to find a way to close the gap between him and Bagnaia.
The upcoming Qatar GP will be a crucial opportunity for Martin to prove his resilience and fight for the title. He will need to push harder than ever before, showcasing his skill and determination to overcome the challenges he faces.
The pressure is on for the Pramac Ducati rider. Will Jorge Martin be able to bounce back from his practice issues and close the gap in the championship standings? The race weekend holds the answer.