Jorge Martín, the reigning Spanish MotoGP champion, continues to push toward a successful return to racing after a challenging season. Recently, he participated in a private test session with Aprilia at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, riding the powerful RSV4 bike. While his immediate goal is not the Sachsenring race, Martín aims to make his comeback at the Brno Grand Prix this July and is targeting a strong return in the 2025 season. Central to his comeback plan is the decision regarding his race number, a topic drawing attention within the MotoGP community.
Switching from Champion’s Number 1 Back to 89 Amid Superstition
During the Barcelona test, fans noticed that Martín was riding with the number 89 instead of the number 1 he earned as the 2023 MotoGP champion. This has sparked discussions about the superstition linked to the number 1, which has been viewed as unlucky by some in the racing world. Previous champions like Marc Márquez and Fabio Quartararo have kept the number 1 after winning, but Martín chose to return to his original number 89 after a series of severe injuries, including a brutal crash in Qatar that left him with multiple rib fractures.
Martín’s choice reflects a cautious approach, hoping to avoid the “curse” some associate with the champion’s number. However, MotoGP rules require that riders registered with the number 1 must keep it throughout that season, which means Martín cannot officially race with 89 until 2026. This restriction ties his hands until the upcoming season concludes, despite his personal preference to switch numbers sooner.
The Implications of the Number Decision for Martín’s Future
The dilemma over the number adds an unexpected layer of complexity to Martín’s highly anticipated return. Although he must retain the number 1 for the rest of this season, his intent to return to 89 signals a desire to move past the challenges of 2024 and reestablish himself on his own terms. As the MotoGP community watches closely, questions linger on whether the number will affect Martín’s performance or superstition will influence other riders as well.
This situation exemplifies the blend of regulations, personal meaning, and traditions within MotoGP racing, highlighting Martín’s resilience and hopeful outlook as he prepares for the races ahead, particularly the Brno Grand Prix and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. Unfortunately, entertainment tends to attract more interest than sports, and MotoGP wants to profit from this trend. However, MotoGP doesn’t currently have personalities that generate enough excitement to be interesting.
Q. Are MotoGP or F1 faster?
A. At the Lusail Circuit, Lando Norris (F1) completed a lap in 1:22.384, and Pedro Acosta (MotoGP) did it in 1:52.657. The 30.273-second difference shows that F1 cars have better aerodynamics, braking, and cornering speed. These factors make F1 cars much faster than MotoGP motorcycles, which are more agile and rely on two-wheel dynamics.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is the only person who has won world championships in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1 car racing. He showed the same talent and courage in both sports.
Q. Did F1 buy MotoGP?
A. Liberty Media, the owners of Formula 1, will finalize a £3.6 billion deal to acquire MotoGP by the end of Thursday. This agreement involves Liberty Media buying 84% of Dorna, the company that holds MotoGP’s commercial rights, by paying in cash. Last week, the European Commission approved this transaction.
