Martin's initial 7-point lead over Pecco Bagnaia was short-lived as Sunday's race unfolded. He aimed to extend his advantage over the reigning champion, who had struggled throughout the weekend at the Mandalika Circuit, starting from 13th on the grid.
As the red lights dimmed, Martin swiftly overtook his competitors from the second row and established a comfortable lead over Aprilia rider Maverick Vinales. However, disaster struck mid-race when Martin unexpectedly lost control of his Pramac Ducati at Turn 11, resulting in his first DNF since COTA in April.
Watching from the sidelines, Martin looked crestfallen as Bagnaia seized the chequered flag just ahead of Vinales and Quatararo.
"It was perfect,"
Martin commented on his race, up until the crash.
"A great start, and then I was trying to widen the gap. When I saw '2.8s,' I was pleasantly surprised. So I thought, 'Okay, it's time to stay calm."
Martin then explained that his mistake originated from the previous corner.
"I went a bit wide in corner 10, and it was a bit dirty. When I entered 11, I lost the front in the same manner as the previous lap. But, well, mistakes happen. I was feeling super good... My mistake was running one meter wide on the dirt, and then I crashed. That was my mistake."
"I was still pushing. There were still 14 laps to go, so I was focused on maintaining speed. But I felt like I was in a safe mode, so to speak."
Martin, who had been the fastest at that point, acknowledged his strong performance until the mishap."I am currently the fastest, so I have to remain calm. There are still 10 races to go, so there's a long way ahead."
Having significantly narrowed Bagnaia's once substantial 66-point lead over the past eight races, including the Saturday Sprint, Martin heads into next weekend's Phillip Island round 18 points behind Bagnaia. He aims to become the first-ever satellite world champion in the 'MotoGP' era since 2002 and remains determined not to dwell on the error.
"I'm happy that my speed is consistent, and I've been quick at all the tracks,"
"The mistake is just a matter of statistics. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and it finally did. So, for the remaining races, I'm confident that I can compete for victory."
Despite the emotional roller coaster of the weekend, Martin gave credit to Bagnaia for his remarkable comeback, especially after finishing only eighth in the Saturday Sprint race.
"I didn't know at the time of my crash that he was already in third. I was just focused on my own race. I'm impressed by his comeback, but we all know that Pecco is stronger on Sundays, and he did a fantastic job"
"I'm once again the one in pursuit, so now I hope he's a bit anxious!"
concluded the Spaniard.