Jorge Martin is the 2024 MotoGP World Champion after a thrilling conclusion to the season in Barcelona. Although outgoing champion Francesco Bagnaia took the race win, it wasn’t enough to close the gap to Martin, who had already built a commanding lead in the championship standings, securing the title on home soil in Spain.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, racing for Prima Pramac Racing, claimed his first-ever MotoGP world championship in a race that was more about strategy and consistency than sheer aggression. Martin finished third in the Barcelona Grand Prix, but his solid performance throughout the season ensured he had enough points to fend off the challenge from Bagnaia, who needed a flawless race to overtake him.
This victory is historic for both Martin and the Prima Pramac team, as it marks the first time in the team’s 20-year MotoGP history that a satellite rider has beaten the factory teams to claim the championship. Martin’s triumph also makes him the first independent rider to win the world title in the modern MotoGP era, a feat that adds another chapter to the sport’s history, one filled with drama and unpredictable twists.
While the final race itself was relatively uneventful, Martin kept his composure throughout, completing a steady ride to secure his place in MotoGP history. Bagnaia, who had a strong weekend, winning both the sprint and feature races, couldn’t close the gap enough to deny Martin his well-deserved title.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Martin said, “It sounds amazing, I don’t know what to say, I’m completely shocked. This is for my people, my family, and everyone who has supported me. The last few laps were so emotional, I started crying a bit—it was such a special moment. It’s been a long journey, with so many crashes and big injuries, but we’re here now, and I’m so thankful to everyone.”
This season has been a hard-fought battle for Martin, with several key moments where mistakes and crashes threatened to derail his title bid. Yet, through it all, he showed resilience, and his consistency across the season ultimately paid off. His victory is a landmark moment, not only for independent riders but for private teams in general, as it proves that with the right combination of talent and strategy, a satellite team can now compete on equal terms with the factory teams.
Martin’s championship also represents a major shift in the power dynamics of MotoGP, giving satellite teams a glimmer of hope that they can now challenge the might of factory outfits like Ducati. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Martin will be joining the Aprilia Racing team, while Bagnaia will remain at Ducati alongside the six-time world champion Marc Marquez, who secured third place in the championship after finishing second in the Barcelona race.
Despite not securing the factory seat, Martin’s fairytale ending in Barcelona with his world title ensures his place in the sport’s history, capping off a sensational season.
