Now in his third MotoGP season, Marini hasܫ become one of the more consistent since jumping aboard last season’s title-winning GP-22 bike.

The Mooney VR46 Ducati rider, who has two podiums to his name through five rounds, is currently sixth in the world championship ♌heading to his home round at Mugello next weekend.

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One of the results that helped him cement a spot inside the top six in the championship was his result at the Spanish Grand Prix, which came a🐭fter a race-long battle with Pedrosa.

Back in MotoGP as a wildcard rider for KTM, Pedrosa was sensational throughout the Jerez weekend, however, just like the Spaniard did when he received praise from several riders for his per𝔍formance, the former Repsol Honda rider was keen to tell Marini how impressed he was with the Italian’s ride.

After calling him a very ‘clean rider’, Pedrosa told Marini face-to-face that he could do with changing his lines in order to keep his rivals guessing, but that hꦑ♎is precision was very impressive.

After watching their conversation back, Marini told : "It♍’s nice! I was really surprised at all the compliments that Dani gave me. I tried to use his comments to improve myself, my riding.&nbs🗹p;

"He told me to, more-or-less, make som🐟e crazy things, ma♐ke more mistakes during hard braking to not let riders behind analyse my riding style. 

"I really appreciate it from him as a rider. Watching the 2𒁃50cc, he was an idol and a point of reference for me."

Whil💖e Marini has been strong so far in 2023, his teammate 🌱Marco Bezzecchi has been even better after claiming two wins.

But even so, Marini does not feel as though another step forward is needed: "I don’t think that ꩵI need to make another step. I’m strong now, I’m fast and I’m just trying to fight for the podium in all the races. 

"If there is the possibility to 🐬win the race then it’s perfect, but if not, then just being there everytime. That꧅ is the goal every time. 

"My teammate is fast and has achieved great results this season. But I’m focused o𓂃n myself. The 💙teammate is another rival like other riders. 

"If you don’t win the race then it꧟ doesn’t matter if anoth๊er rider or your teammate won the race. It’s the same. It’s just that you didn’t win."