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

"Pre-season went pretty 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, although he's trying to spend his lockdown time constructi♈vely by creating an imp💯rovised gym and studying nutrition.

“It’s a bit tough for me. Normally, my train🌺ing 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 situation for everyone but we have to heed the recommendati꧃ons if we want to win this battle.

"I’m currently in Andorra where, as of this week, they a♈re allowing us to go out onto the streets at certain times and to exerci♌se. 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 fe🐽el fit.

"In the mornings I have started to study nut𝕴rition, 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 following it daily has been very important for me.”

Anoth🍎er w⛦elcome distraction has been the MotoGP virtual races.

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

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