The current Moto3 world champion, Jaume Masiá, is gearing up for his move to the intermediate category in the approaching year. As the year wraps up, he reflected on his championship-winning season while delving into the upcoming 2024 season where he will riding for the SAG Racing Team in Moto2.
Regarding the November tests in Valencia, where he debuted on a Moto2 bike, thw Spaniard commented: ‘It was the first time I was on the bike, and I was two, three tenths off the pace. Was I expecting this? Well, I don’t know. Ultimately, it’s something very strange, the first time and racing is very complicated. What I highlight is the team’s affection, everything they did to help me adapt; it was spectacular. I also tried to adapt as much as possible regarding the bike’s aspects, and it was a very productive day’.
Although recognizing that there is work ahead, Masiá is confident in his adaptation: ‘I consider myself a fairly adaptable rider when it comes to things. I’ve been saying this; I know that with humility and work, things will happen. The first day of testing, in the end, means nothing; it’s just a test, although the other riders have a lot of mileage, and that’s quite noticeable. There are still quite a few steps I need to take, but I believe that with humility, work, and respect, I will put everything into this category. Why couldn’t I be truly competitive?’.
Looking back at what’s behind him, Masiá expressed contentment with the Moto3 title he secured, telling Marca newspaper: ‘The only thing I know is that I won the title. Whoever decided my destiny and what had to happen, I think they did well. If my move up didn’t happen last year, it’s because it wasn’t supposed to; they were expecting big things for this season, such as winning a title. Now, I feel like a very mature person with my head in place, capable of facing very difficult situations. I’m super happy and grateful that things have happened this way. Of course, I had doubts about whether I could win the world title; there are always doubts. Who doesn’t have them with so much pressure, nerves, with what happened in Austria, in Silverstone? Obviously, I questioned myself, but I kept believing, working. Life wanted me to win the title. I also emphasize that the team had incredible confidence; that made me trust everything 100%, in everything the mechanics and technicians told me. That was the key, trying to minimize the doubts I could have and made us consistent, regular, and positive about the things that were happening’.
The latest rider adding his name to the list of world champions further stated: ‘I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who care a lot about me. Winning a world championship spans 21 races; it’s not just about one event. I consider that I did a good job, that our team had teamwork very clear. My doubts were about arriving in Valencia with options to win the title and what would have happened with all the KTM riders. I wouldn’t have liked to witness that situation. So, it was, a bird in hand and everyone facing a new adventure. And seeing if Ayumu Sasaki is indeed such a good rider, if not, if it was the bike…’.