Jorge Martin reveals what caused dramatic sparks during British Grand Prix

The 2024 champion won the sprint race and took pole position for the Grand Prix in Britain on a weekend where Aprilia left rivals Ducati reeling.

Trackhouse satellite rider Raul Fernandez ended up with the maximum 25 points in Sunday’s race, passing Martin at the start and not looking back for a commanding win.

However, it was clear that all wasn’t well when Martin hit Abbey with sparks flying from his bike.

Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura also suffered the same problem, running wide with Martin and dropping back into the pack, allowing Fernandez to run away with victory.

Speaking after the event, Martin explained that the cause of the sparks and awful start was his rear ride-height device staying engaged because he didn’t brake at Turn 1.

He told Sky Italia: “Of course I'm happy, but today I wanted the victory. And honestly, I think I lost that opportunity at the start.

Ride height devices have been a point of contention during the 2026 season, and will disappear from bikes completely in 2027.

The mechanical devices lock the suspension so that riders are able to keep the bike flat for maximum grip at race starts, and they’re only unlocked under braking.

Front ride-height devices have already been banned mid-season due to a number of first-corner incidents raising safety fears, and for Martin, he could’ve won the British Grand Prix if it wasn’t for his rear device.

“We'll never know for sure, but yes, I think so,” he said.

Martin was then asked one final time about the rear ride-height device, and whether it should be used at tracks without heavy-braking first corners such as Silverstone.