While new team-mate Tetsuta Nagashima celebrated a shock victory on𝐆 his Ajo debut, Jorge Martin was one of several pre-race favourites to suffer front tyre issues and dropped all the way from 2nd to 20th by the flag.

"Pre-season went pret𝔉ty well. At the Qatar test I finished second [and] later at the Grand Prix we did a good job - but in the race we had a problem with the front tyre. However, we are ready to win," Martin declared.

The coronavirus pandemic has left the Andorra-based Spaniard with plenty of time to mull over that opening race disappointment, ওalthough he's trying to spend his lockdown time constructively by creating an imp🔴rovised gym and studying nutrition.

“It’s a bit tough for me. Normally, my training routine includes doing a lot of🔯 sport outdoors," Martin admitted. "I really like going out and I don't usually spend time at home, so my house is also quite small.

"It’s a tough siꦛtuation for everyone but we have to heed the recommendations if we want to w𝓡in this battle.

"I’m currently in Andorr🦹a where, as of this week, they are allowing us to go out onto the streets at certain times and to exercise. This makes things much more bearable."

He added: “I play sports every day in the afternoon for 🐎approximately two hours. I don't have a lot of [gym] equipment at home, so I use water jugs or weighted backpacks that help me practice functional resistance training. I am doing well and I feel fit.

"In the mornings I have started to study nutrition, because I consider that for an athlete it is very important to know what to eat and why. I also distract myself by watching series, until the afternoon comes and I start training. Setting this schedule and followingꦑ it daily has been very important for me.”

Another welcome distraction has b🔥een the MotoGP virtual race💖s.

“Yes, I have seen them and they are very entertaining. They make Sundays more enjoyable - although the desire to get on the bike is stil🅘l there," he said.

Sending his 🤪support to those also in lockdown or performing essential jobs, Martin added: "Hopefully all this will end soon, with the minimum possible negative consequences."