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'I copied Martin Brundle and did a gridwalk I don't know how F1 icon survives it'

Martin Brundle has become just as well known for his pre-race gridwalks as the former F1 driver was for his skills behind the wheel

[Martin Brundle]

Martin Brundle's gridwalks often go down in history(Image: YouTube/SkySportsF1)

Walking on to a MotoGP grid moments before a race was an experience like no other.

This wasn't just any race either. It was the final contest of a thrilling season, which ultimately saw Pecco Bagnaia win a second successive title.

In Valencia for the last weekend of the campaign, all eyes were on Bagnaia and Jorge Martin with the season going down to the wire. It was no surprise to see their bikes the busiest on the grid.

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Martin Brundle has almost made a living out of his famous - or should that be infamous? - grid walks. But having wandered up and down the Valencia track for 20 minutes, I can honestly say I have no idea how he does it.

I wasn't even trying to grab, and inevitably be snubbed by, A-list celebrities for a brief chat, but the chaos and carnage that was on that strip of tarmac was unrivalled.

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I went on a gridwalk at the Valencia MotoGP race

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The Valencia track was full of people moments before the race started

Cameramen and photographers jostled for the best position while the planets top motorbike riders prepared for the race ahead. How they kept their calm while chaos ensued around them is anyones guess.

Cables to step over, live TNT Sports broadcasts to mind out of the way off, and seemingly the rest of the world to avoid - it was not a space for claustrophobics. But it was pulsating and a memorable experience.

Thanks to the aforementioned TNT Sports, I was on the track for those few moments and trying to take it all in. The MotoGP trophy was positioned at the front of the grid and the true magnitude of the event was there for all to see.

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MotoGP racers tried to stay calm while chaos ensued around them

It was a bit calmer up towards the back of the grid where those not in contention for the race or MotoGP title were still preparing to reach speeds in excess of 200mph in the next few minutes.

Once the carnage had cleared with a five minute warning for all those spectators to clear the track, the riders could prepare for what lies ahead.

Valencia has a long home straight with the first corner seemingly miles in the distance. In truth, the monster machines can get there in about five seconds.

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It's a long straight up until the first corner in Valencia

[Martin Brundle during one of his F1 grid walks]

Martin Brundle during one of his F1 grid walks(Image: Sky Sports F1/YouTube)

And thats how long it felt like I was on the grid walk, given it all passed in a blur.

Ill be watching Martin Brundle next season with even more admiration - I have no idea how he survives those exhilarating few minutes.

Watch live MotoGP on TNT Sports. TNT Sports is available through its streaming destination discovery+ and across all major TV platforms. This isnt Just Sport, This is Everything. For more info visit: www.discoveryplus.com/gb/sports

[Joshua Peck]

Joshua Peck

Joshua Peck is Audience Editor for Reach PLC. He has previously worked on the Daily Express and Daily Star digital teams, covering sport.

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