A LIFE ON TWO WHEELS

In the late 1960s, motorcycles were far from popular in Spain. Yet to a seven-year-old boy named Jorge Martínez, that world seemed magical and fascinating. Despite family and social opposition, young Jorge refused to remain a spectator. While his older brother and other local riders tested their racing motorcycles, he dreamed of becoming one of them.

Determined to make that dream a reality, he entered his first race in January 1979 on a rented four-speed Derbi motorcycle. The investment was considerable for a young rider—2,600 pesetas plus any repair costs in case of crashes or mechanical failures—but the gamble paid off. He finished second.

From that moment, his journey had begun. Throughout the following years, Jorge raced whenever possible, often changing motorcycles from one event to another and lacking the resources to compete in full championships. Everything changed in 1981 when he won his first Spanish Championship title riding a Bultaco 50cc machine lent to him by a man who would become one of his greatest inspirations: Ricardo Tormo.

His career continued to rise steadily. After signing with Metrakit and securing his first Grand Prix podium, a decisive turning point arrived in 1984 when he joined Derbi. Together with the Rabasa family, Jorge developed not only as a rider but also as a person, beginning a partnership that would shape one of the most successful careers in motorcycle racing history.

His first Grand Prix victory came in 1984 at the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen, one of the sport’s most iconic venues. Originally signed as Derbi’s second rider, circumstances soon placed the full responsibility of the team on his shoulders, and he responded with remarkable success. In 1985 he achieved another unforgettable milestone by winning his home Grand Prix in Jarama.

The following years cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Jorge won the 80cc World Championship in 1986, successfully defending the title in 1987 and 1988. In that historic 1988 season, he achieved a remarkable double by claiming both the 80cc and 125cc World Championships.

After further success in national and international competition, Jorge founded his own racing team in 1992. Although his final years as a rider brought both challenges and victories—including his last Grand Prix win in Argentina in 1994 and a European Championship title in 1995—his focus gradually shifted toward team management and rider development.

In 1997 he retired from professional racing after nineteen consecutive years of competition. However, his passion for motorcycles never faded. Instead, it evolved into a new mission: building one of the most successful teams in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

Throughout his career, Jorge competed against legends such as Ángel Nieto, Àlex Crivillé, Loris Capirossi, Emilio Alzamora and Valentino Rossi. Widely regarded as one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport, he combined exceptional riding sensitivity with fierce competitiveness.

Beyond his victories and titles, Jorge Martínez “Aspar” played a key role in the growth of motorcycle racing in Spain, helping transform it into one of the country’s most followed and respected sports.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 World Championships (1986, 1987, 1988 – 80cc; 1988 – 125cc)
• 1 World Championship Runner-up (1985 – 80cc)
• 1 European Championship (1995 – 125cc)
• 12 Spanish Championship Titles
• 30 Grand Prix Victories
• 61 Grand Prix Podiums
• 42 Pole Positions
• FIM Legend (2014)
• MotoGP Legend (2019)
• National Sports Award (1987)
• RFME Gold Medal for Motorcycling Merit
• Royal Order of Sports Merit Gold Medal
• Valencian Government Gold Medal for Sporting Merit
• Silver Medal of the City of Valencia
• Favourite Son of the City of Alzira