Pramac Ducati rider Jorge Martin has claimed that MotoGP’s tere pressure rule was the leading reason behind there being limited overtaking in the Italian Grand Prix.
Francesco Bagnaia led proceedings following a Turn 2 overtake on Martin on the opening lap and the reigning MotoGP champion controlled the encounter to the end.
Martin had remained with a second of Bagnaia ahead across the race, but he could not craft a move on his title rival and Enea Bastianini passed him at the final turn.
“I was really thinking about [passing Bagnaia for the lead],” said Martin.
“But we are so on the limit with the front temperatures during the season, these last years, with the pressure limit.
“When you are three-tenths or closer it’s impossible to get even closer. The rider in front [needs to] make a mistake or it’s impossible to make the move.
“It’s a pity that we don’t have more show because I think without that rule I would have the chance to overtake.
“But second position was my place today, but with this mistake, it was third.”
Bastianini’s charge in the last three laps saw him overtake Gresini’s Marc Marquez and Martin, with the latter a late lunge up the inside into the final corner for second.
Martin admitted the move was his error, which in turn cost him four points to contender Bagnaia and has prompted his championship lead to be reduced to 18 points.
“It was a big frustration after the finish line because to lose a position on the last corner hurt me quite a lot,” he said.
“It was more my mistake. I saw on the pitboard eight tenths of a second so I was relaxed.
“I was pushing but not on the limit. I didn’t want to crash because I knew Pecco was already far away.
“I thought nobody was there and then I hear his bike and I said no way this is happening to me. Trust me this mistake won’t happen to me again.”
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