P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marquez “likes” Martin’s mind games with Bagnaia in Valencia MotoGP practice
With a 21-point gap between Ducati rider Bagnaia and Pramac’s Martin, Friday’s second practice session was crucial in the title battle. Martin finished second, while Bagnaia struggled and ended up in 15th place due to braking issues and a late yellow flag. Martin closely followed Bagnaia throughout the session, both on and off the track, which Bagnaia expected as Martin’s only chance of beating him. Marquez, who didn’t witness the incidents, expressed his approval of Martin’s tactics. Martin considered his decision to ride behind Bagnaia a gamble, even though he had already secured a spot in Q2. Ducati boss Tardozzi initially criticized Martin’s tactics but later retracted his statement. Martin clarified that he didn’t intend to disrupt Bagnaia’s lap and that he used the strategy to understand his rival’s strengths and weaknesses.
