P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Martin ‘wouldn’t be here’ if COTA MotoGP qualifying crash was a highside
After setting a new lap record in Friday practice, Jorge Martin from Pramac Racing was anticipated to contend for pole position at the Circuit of the Americas on Saturday. However, two crashes during qualifying sessions resulted in him starting sixth on the grid, with the second incident occurring at Turn 18 on his second flying lap following his initial fall. Martin later acknowledged that he was fortunate to avoid serious injury after the Turn 18 crash, attributing the mishap to pushing too hard at a corner where he was already at the limit. Despite the setbacks, Martin finished third in the sprint race and extended his championship lead by 24 points, expressing confidence that with improved focus on the start, he could have a shot at challenging the race winner, Maverick Vinales. Although Martin faced challenges due to rear grip issues, he identified rear vibration problems as the major obstacle affecting his performance throughout the season, emphasizing the need to collaborate with Ducati to find solutions for improved results.
