Luca Marini will start today’s Portuguese Grand Prix in the middle of the third row after an impressive Saturday at Poꦑrtimao. 

With fellow Ducati rookies Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martin both enjoying their own moment in the spotligh🌌t during both Qatar rounds, it seems Portimao is the turn of Marini who has been quick🤪est of the three from the outset. 

The 2020 Moto2 championship runner-up has looked comfortable from lap one at the Algarve International Circuit, a venue that has good memories following his second place finish during ⛄last year’💜s Moto2 race. 

And with that sa𒉰id, Marini secured automatic passage into Q2 yesterday📖, before eventually taking eighth position in qualifying. 

"I am really very happy with this top 8 place in Q2 and satisfied with the work I 🅰am doing with the Team," said the Sky VR46 rider.  

"I am more comfortable on th🍌e bike and we have made a great step forward that we will take from 𒁏here to the next races." 

Mar꧋ini went into qualifying following a rapid crash at turn seven during the FP4 session, but thankfully was unhurt and could take part in qualifying.&nbᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚsp;

With Takaaki Nakagami and Jorgeꦉ Martin both missing qualifying, including Martin being declared unfit altogether, it was good to see Marini not become another rider on the sidelines. 

Marini was showing good pace before the crash and the 23 year-old added: 💮"In th𝐆e FP4 I kept a good pace and we are close to the fastest guys. It´s a pity the crash, but we will continue to work to make the most of the warm up."

Next up this morning is the MotoGP warm up session before today’s third race of the year, where Marini will be loo🐎king to secure his first points of the 2021 campaign.