Martin feels improvements on his mentality mean he’s able to deal with the pressure of the MotoGP title fight better than in 2023

Jorge Martin has revealed that the mental pressure meant last year’s MotoGP title fight felt ‘like a nightmare’ and ‘difficult to manage’ even when he was winning races. But the current world championship leader has made an ‘amazing step’ since and insists he’s enjoying himself ahead of the final five rounds, starting at Motegi this weekend.

Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia finished fastest in a rain-interrupted first practice for the Japan MotoGP on Friday, with championship leader Jorge Martin behind him in second. Pramac rider Martin is looking to win his first MotoGP championship after finishing second behind Bagnaia last year.

South Africa’s Brad Binder clocked the fastest time in practice for the Japan MotoGP on Friday, with championship leader Jorge Martin finishing third.Red Bull KTM rider

Championship leader Jorge Martin on Thursday warned of "unpredictable" conditions at this weekend's Japan MotoGP as he looks to increase his lead over nearest challenger Francesco Bagnaia. "I see that the weather forecast is quite unpredictable so it will be also difficult and really challenging.

But it was Bagnaia who led the way with a 1m45.209s lap when light rain began to fall just 13 minutes into the session. At this point, the entire field headed for the pits and all

Marc Marquez still has a mathematical chance of winning the MotoGP title but the six-times premier class champion conceded on Thursday it was a now a two-horse race between points leader Jorge Martin and reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia.

Jorge Martin won the Indonesia MotoGP on Sunday to extend his championship lead, while closest rival Francesco Bagnaia limited the damage by claiming the final podium place.