Jorge Martinez Aspar named FIM Legend
Jerez de la Frontera hosted the fifth FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) Awards Ceremony. The best riders in all categories and disciplines of motorcycle racing gathered at the Villamarta Theatre in the Andalusian city to receive medals and diplomas that celebrated their status as World Champions. At the same event, Jerez de la Frontera was named the motorcycling capital of the world for 2015.
There were also several former greats who received FIM Legends awards. The Legends were responsible for handing over the prizes to the winners in the 2014 season, and Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ was amongst those distributing the awards. The four-time World Champion and first winner of a race at the permanent circuit in Jerez, Aspar was one of the riders named a Legend last night. Winners in the MotoGP classes were Marc and Alex Márquez and Esteve Rabat, and Aspar also helped with the presentation of the Superbike and Supersport honours.
Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ was tremendously proud of the recognition received from the FIM. He made the following comments at the event:
How do you see the state of Spanish motorcycle racing?
“Amazing. Great things are being achieved. I see our riders dominating in all categories in many disciplines, and I am sure that this trend will continue to increase, because many riders are coming through as well. This is possible thanks to the excellent development system we currently have in Spain. There is a very promising future for racing in our country.”
Are you proud of the current state of Spanish motorcycling?
“Of course. Currently, Spain is a worldwide reference in all aspects of motorsport. Firstly thanks to Dorna, the company that holds the rights to MotoGP. Spain is the country which host the most Grands Prix –four- and has many other circuits capable of hosting top-level events. Furthermore, the CEV series will next year become a Junior World Championship and has been an undisputable stepping stone to the World Championship. Then we have Spanish teams, such as the Aspar Team, that have made a difference for many years. Not to mention the two seasons in which all the MotoGP titles have been won by Spanish riders. I feel very proud and pleased with what we have achieved in the last twenty years.”
Do you feel responsible, in a way, for the success of Spanish motorcycle racing?
“I consider it very important to bring all the experience I’ve gained over many years to the table, in order to build a future. At the time I tried to do my bit as a rider, then I set up a riding school in Valencia and then became head of the Aspar Team. I always try to make all my experience available to the riders with whom I work, so that they can develop in the best possible way.”
What does it mean to Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ to be recognised as an FIM Legend?
“Mainly it means that I’m still doing things well. I feel very proud to have been able to devote my life to motorcycle racing and to have left my mark on the sport, firstly with four world titles as a rider and later with four titles as team manager. Is a huge satisfaction to be made a legend of motorcycle racing by the FIM. Besides the prizes, the passion to continue succeeding and doing things right is still intact. Furthermore, it is always cause for joy to see your efforts recognised”.
