Martin fought with title rival Francesco Bagnaia within the early phases of the Malaysian GP, having dropped from second on the grid to fifth when he ran broad at Flip 1 firstly.
Bagnaia repelled this assault for the ultimate podium place and eased away from Martin by over six seconds to extend his championship lead to 14 points.
Martin says he did have a better entrance tyre strain to start out the grand prix, having already been given a warning for breaching the minimal strain rule in Thailand, however this wasn’t what compromised his grand prix.
“No, no. For certain, larger than what I needed however lower than yesterday,” Martin mentioned when requested if his tyre strain was excessive for the beginning of the race.
“We tried to be a bit higher on this state of affairs, however for certain it was not sufficient and after six laps I used to be crashing all of the corners.
“It was actually tough and irritating that I couldn’t push for all of the race. So, P4 was the utmost I might do.
“I feel it was slightly bit greater than 2 bar, not like yesterday at 2.1.
“However I feel it was extra the temperature behind Pecco. I struggled after which it by no means got here down. I attempted to place strain on him, however I felt I used to be crashing so I simply slowed down.”
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Staff
Martin got here into the weekend trailing Bagnaia by 13 factors and has solely misplaced one by ending fourth within the grand prix, so isn’t disheartened by the consequence.
“We misplaced one level on the finish of the weekend, which isn’t that a lot,” he added.
“Generally I get well 15, so I’m assured that within the subsequent races I could be quick.
“If there are some tracks that you could get well it’s Qatar and Valencia, as a result of we’re so tight and we are able to put a number of riders between Pecco and me.
“For each side, you’ll be able to win and lose a number of factors. So, I’m assured and let’s attempt to get well and beat him within the subsequent race.”
Bagnaia says it was “crucial” to win his on-track battle with Martin at Sepang and isn’t getting forward of himself within the championship race, with 37 factors on supply per weekend in 2023.
“Jorge was excellent on the doorway of nook 14 and he did the overtake, however was a bit broad,” he mentioned.
“I simply tried to cross the road and be in entrance as a result of it was crucial to not permit him to be within the entrance, additionally as a result of I used to be not anticipating that his tempo was prefer it was.
“It was crucial to win the battle with him and it was so, so enjoyable.
“For certain, 14 factors are greater than nothing or being behind.
“So, it’s not an excessive amount of. If it was a standard season with one race [per weekend], it’s a superb hole to handle. However, with 37 factors every weekend, it’s a really small hole.”