Jorge Martin endured a difficult start to the Czech Grand Prix weekend after persistent front-end issues left him outside the top 10 and facing a place in Saturday's Q1 session.
The Aprilia rider finished Friday's practice in 11th place, six-tenths of a second off the fastest time and just short of the automatic Q2 positions. As a result, Martin was the only Aprilia rider forced into Q1, while teammates Ai Ogura, Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez all progressed directly to the second qualifying session.
Despite enjoying his time on the bike, Martin admitted a lack of confidence at the front of the RS-GP prevented him from pushing at his usual level during the crucial time attack runs.
"I had good fun on the bike. I was always on the limit," Martin said. "Overall, I felt a really low feeling with the front during practice. I think I had some issue with the front tyre. Then I lost all that confidence. When I went into time attack, I didn't have that spark to push."
More concerning for the reigning world champion is that the issue is not new. Martin revealed he has encountered similar front-end problems at several recent rounds, suggesting the team may be dealing with a recurring technical challenge.
"It's been a few races where I've had this problem," he said.
The Spaniard was quick to dismiss any suggestion that his struggles were related to the heavy crash he suffered at the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix. According to Martin, his physical condition is not affecting his performance and he feels fully fit heading into the remainder of the weekend.
Adding another layer of difficulty to his race plans, Martin will also serve a double long-lap penalty during Sunday's Grand Prix. The sanction was handed down after race stewards found him responsible for the multi-rider collision on the opening lap at Balaton Park.
Martin used Friday's sessions to familiarise himself with the long-lap route and was encouraged by how the surface improved throughout the day. He estimates the penalty will cost around 1.5 seconds each time he takes it, a setback he believes can be managed if he secures a strong starting position.
Despite the challenges, Martin remains optimistic that Aprilia can resolve the front-end concerns before qualifying.
"I think tomorrow will be another story. Everything will come to normal," he said.
With a place in Q2 still up for grabs and valuable championship points on offer, Martin will be looking to put Friday's frustrations behind him and begin his fightback in Saturday's Q1 session.
