Multiple World Champion reflects on his career amongst fans and friends in emotional ceremony
At 7pm last night the 30th anniversary celebrations of Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ and his team got underway at the Príncipe Felipe Museum in Valencia. On their arrival guests were able to delight in the restored race bikes exhibited in the Calle Mayor room of the museum before moving through to the main hall for the presentation of his latest project shortly before 8pm. It was an emotional affair, recalling some of the most memorable moments in the career of one of Spain’s greatest ever motorcycle racers.
After an initial introduction the guests were treated to three videos that highlighted Aspar’s passion for racing and his illustrious career. The first video, entitled ‘Los Inicios’, showed a sequence of images recording the early days of a young Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’. After, a video summary of his title successes and finally ‘Capitán de Campeones’ charted his success at the head of the Aspar Team.
The event was hosted by Spanish television stars Ainhoa Arbizu and Valentín Requena, with guest appearances from a host of people who have shared the journey with Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ over the years, including the likes of Ángel Nieto, Alfonso Rus, Adrián Campos, Santi Rabasa and Pablo Nieto. Two of the Aspar Team’s three World Champions, Julián Simón and Álvaro Bautista, also took to the microphone.
Gábor Talmácsi, another rider who made his name with ‘Aspar’ in 2007, was unable to attend the gala but he sent his best wishes and thanks to Jorge through a video clip he has recorded himself. The event ended with a cocktail reception and photo call.
Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’:
“Arriving at this point is virtually a miracle. Starting to ride as a child, becoming World Champion and building teams in all three categories of the World Championship is something incredible. If they’d have told me this when I was young and only cared for riding bikes, I wouldn’t have believed it. These things can only be achieved through great consistency and by surrounding yourself by wonderful people. I am really pleased to have 30 years under my belt – hopefully there will be many more!”
Héctor Barberá:
“I suppose it is the dream of anybody involved in motorcycle racing to achieve what Jorge has. He started out very young and by winning world titles he became the man other people looked towards. He created his own team and expanded it to the point where he now has representation in all three categories. None of these achievements are by coincidence because he lives and breathes this sport. It is his true passion.”
Julián Simón:
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Jorge because not everybody can say they have been in racing for 30 years, certainly not with so much success. He was part of a revolution, with a style and personality that will last forever in the history of motorcycle racing. Alongside Nieto, Tormo and so many others he was the cornerstone of Spanish racing and it is greatly thanks to him that the sport is in such rude health in this country so many years on. I only have words of thanks for Jorge, who put everything in place for me to achieve my dream of becoming World Champion.”
Mike Di Meglio:
“I feel very fortunate to be here to share such an important moment with somebody like Jorge. Ever since I arrived in this team he has demonstrated utter faith and confidence in all of his riders, he only ever tries to help us and it gives me great personal pride to be considered part of the Aspar family. I am happy to have been here for his 30th anniversary in World Championship motorcycle racing and I hope he stays around for many more years to come.”
Nico Terol:
“I would like to congratulate Jorge for his impeccable career in motorcycle racing. As a rider he was a standard bearer – one of the best. As the head of a team he is always working to improve and his management style is formidable. He has created the team to beat in the smaller categories and now he is taking on the new challenge of competing at the top level. I have only just joined the team but I am really happy and already benefiting from their advice.”
Bradley Smith:
“When you stop and think about it for a moment, and you consider all the success enjoyed by Aspar and his team over the last thirty years, you realise that you are part of a great team, something historic. For me it is an indescribable honour to form part of three decades of success for the Aspar team.”
