Jorge Martínez (motorcyclist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jorge Martínez
Martínez in 2024
Nationality	Spanish
Born	(1962-08-29) 29 August 1962 (age 62) Alzira, Valencia, Spain
Motorcycle racing career statistics Grand Prix motorcycle racing Active years 1982 - 1997 First race 1982 50 cc Spanish Grand Prix Last race 1997 125 cc Australian Grand Prix First win 1984 80 cc Dutch TT Last win 1994 125 cc Argentine Grand Prix Team(s) Derbi Championships 80 cc - 1986, 1987, 1988 125 cc - 1988 Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 196 37 61 19 11 1599

Jorge Martínez Salvadores, born on August 29, 1962, is a famous Spanish motorcycle racer. He is known by his nickname, "Aspar". He raced in the top Grand Prix motorcycle championships from 1982 to 1997.

Martínez is one of the most successful motorcycle racers in history. He won 22 Grand Prix races in the 80cc class. He also had 15 wins in the 125cc class.

After he stopped racing, he started his own successful racing team. In 2019, he was honored by being added to the MotoGP Hall of Fame.

Aspar's Racing Career

Jorge Martínez was born in Alzira, Valencia, Spain. He started his first Grand Prix race in 1982. Between 1986 and 1988, he won four World Championships. He won three times in the 80cc event. He also won once in the 125cc category.

In 1988, he achieved something special called the 'double'. This means he won both the 80cc and 125cc championships in the same year! His nickname "Aspar" comes from his father's job. His dad was a cobbler, someone who makes or fixes shoes.

Becoming a Team Owner

After his racing career ended in 1997, Jorge Martínez created his own racing team. It is called the Aspar Team. His team has been very successful.

In the 2010 racing season, one of his team riders, Nicolás Terol, finished second in the 125cc class. Another teammate, Bradley Smith, finished fourth. Both of them rode Aprilia motorcycles.

In the first-ever Moto2 championship, Julián Simón from the Aspar team finished second. Another team rider, Héctor Barberá, finished twelfth in the MotoGP division.

Jorge Martínez was recognized for his amazing career in 2019. He was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame. As of 2024, his team rider David "babyGOAT" Alonso won the Moto3 championship at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Images for kids

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  Martínez at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix

See also

In Spanish: Jorge Martínez (piloto de motociclismo) para niños