Jorge Martin crowned MotoGP champion: Key highlights of his season
Jorge Martin has officially claimed the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, becoming the first independent rider in the modern era to achieve this historic feat. The dramatic conclusion at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona saw Martin finish third, with rival Francesco Bagnaia taking the race win. However, Martin’s season-long consistency secured him the title, cementing his place among the sport’s elite. Here’s a quick look at his title-winning journey in 2024.
2024 MotoGP: Strong start
Despite Bagnaia winning the season opener in Qatar, Martin opened the season with a statement. At the Portuguese GP, he clinched his first Grand Prix victory of the year and added a third-place sprint finish, instantly showcasing his intent to challenge for the title. The Americas GP further solidified his position as he defeated Bagnaia in both the sprint and the main race, building a commanding 30-point lead early in the championship.
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2024 MotoGP: Martin’s Setbacks and comebacks
The Spanish GP marked Martin’s first major setback when he crashed out of the lead in the main race. However, Martin struck back at Le Mans, taking maximum points with victories in both the sprint and the Grand Prix, while Bagnaia faltered due to mechanical issues.
After that, it was all Bagnaia as the Italian won six main races on the trot. However, Martin prevented him from running away with the points as he kept securing podium finishes consistently during this period.
Post-summer break, at the British GP, Martin secured second place in both the sprint and the Grand Prix, regaining a slim three-point lead over Bagnaia. This pattern continued at the Aragon GP, where Martin’s back-to-back second-place finishes restored his championship lead to 23 points.
Another crash in qualifying at Motegi threatened his title hopes, but Martin managed a crucial second-place finish in the Grand Prix, leaving him with a 10-point lead.
The Thai GP highlighted Martin’s ability to manage pressure. Although Bagnaia won the wet-weather Grand Prix, Martin’s second-place finish kept his lead intact. In Malaysia, Martin capitalized on Bagnaia’s crash in the sprint to secure another victory, extending his lead to 29 points. A second-place Grand Prix finish at Sepang ensured a comfortable 24-point advantage heading into the final round.
The season finale at Barcelona delivered high drama. Bagnaia won the sprint and the Grand Prix, but Martin’s calculated third-place finishes in both events were enough to seal his championship.
