Prima Pramac Racing's Jorge Martín was crowned the 2024 MotoGP world champion after securing a third-place finish at Sunday's season-ending Solidarity Grand Prix. The race was won by his title rival, Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati. Martín entered the final race with a 19-point lead and needed to finish in the top nine to clinch the title if Bagnaia won. Gresini Racing's Marc Márquez finished second.
Bagnaia had done everything to close the gap, securing his 11th victory of the season in the final grand prix. However, Martín's 32 podiums across sprints and races earned him the title by a 10-point margin. Last season, Martín lost the championship to Bagnaia, but this time he emerged victorious, with his family present in the garage to witness his greatest achievement.
"I don't know what to say, I'm completely shocked," an emotional Martín said after the race, referring to the golden No 1 on his bike. "On the last few laps, I couldn't even ride, I started crying a bit. It was really an emotional race... It's been a long journey, a lot of crashes and big injuries. So finally, we are here."
Bagnaia and Martín made strong starts, entering turn one in first and second positions. Márquez was third but overtook Martín on the second lap. Enea Bastianini began to pressure Martín, but Aleix Espargaró managed to pass both to move up to fourth. The top three maintained their positions, with Martín secure in third and Espargaró defending fourth in a fierce battle with Álex Márquez.
Bagnaia eventually cruised to victory, with Marc Márquez finishing second. However, the Ducati team could only watch as Martín finished third, sealing the title and sparking wild celebrations. Nicknamed "The Martínator," Martín celebrated by donning a robot mask and theatrically shooting a glass case to reveal a golden helmet.
"I don't want to steal the spotlight from Jorge; I think he's deserving of what he has achieved, and this day is for him," Bagnaia said. "I just want to say thanks to my team, they did an incredible job. All the rest is another story, but congratulations to Jorge."
Martín will defend his title with Aprilia next season after Ducati opted not to sign him as Bagnaia's teammate.
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