After securing the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Jorge Martin took a moment to reflect on a key part of his journey. This pivotal moment occurred long before he entered the MotoGP paddock. For Martin, his success in the sport started far earlier, and he credits a significant part of his rise to his time in the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
The Early Days in the Red Bull Rookies Cup
Martin joined the Red Bull Rookies Cup as a young, promising rider, but his entry into the competition was not straightforward. Initially, he was rejected, but his passion for racing never faltered. He returned in 2012, determined to prove himself. After competing for three years, Martin finally clinched the title, which helped pave the way for his move to Moto3.
“If it weren’t for the Red Bull Rookies Cup, I wouldn’t be here today; I can assure you of that,” Martin said after winning the MotoGP title at the Barcelona Grand Prix. “We were just a normal family—not poor, but certainly not wealthy. We didn’t have the financial resources to keep racing, but when I first went to the Rookies Cup, I was very young. I hadn’t even ridden a 125cc bike. I was quick, but they told me, ‘Come back next year.’”
When Martin returned a year later, he had improved significantly and was faster than ever. “I came back, and I was the fastest. Thanks to their advice, I made a lot of progress. When they accepted me, I was so emotional. If they hadn’t chosen me at that moment, I don’t think I would’ve continued in the sport.”
Making History in MotoGP
Fast forward to 2024, and Martin is now a MotoGP World Champion, creating history as the first satellite rider to win the title in the MotoGP era. His triumph at the Barcelona Grand Prix was a breakthrough moment, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s top competitors.
“I could have walked away from racing and still been the happiest person in the world,” Martin said. “But I’m incredibly motivated for the future. Pecco and I are still quite young, and we have 8-10 more years of racing ahead of us. Now that I’ve won the MotoGP title, if another opportunity comes, I’ll be much more prepared.”
Even though winning the MotoGP championship is a major accomplishment, Martin is clear that it won’t drastically change his life. “Winning this title is more important to my family and my team than it is to me. It means a lot to them.”
The Role of Support and Family
For Martin, his victory in MotoGP is as much a result of support as it is of his own talent. He acknowledges that without the guidance of the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the support of his family, he may not have reached this point in his career. The Rookies Cup has proven to be a vital platform for young talent, helping riders like Martin rise through the ranks of MotoGP.
“The Red Bull Rookies Cup gave me a chance when I needed it most,” Martin reflected. “It gave me the tools to develop, and I learned a lot from the people involved. It’s a program that helps riders not only hone their skills but also teaches them how to handle the pressure of racing at the highest level.”
Looking to the Future
With the MotoGP title now under his belt, Martin looks ahead to the next phase of his career. His ambition remains strong, and he’s determined to keep improving. As the future of MotoGP continues to evolve, Martin is eager to stay at the top, working alongside Pecco and others to push the boundaries of the sport.
“I’m excited for what’s next. I’ve learned a lot, and now I’m ready to take the next step,” Martin said. “This title is just the beginning.”
