Avintia VR46 MotoGP rookie Luca Marini was aiming for the AustrianGP podium on Sunday after taking the decision not to swap bikes when the rain hit the Spielberg Circuit.

The Italian eventually claimed fifth - his best position to date in the MotoGP class - after a stellar ride from 17th on the grid. Battling, and defeating, brother and Academy mentor Valentino Rossi for track position in the closing laps and concluding the race with a joint celebration after the flag.

“We were close to make history maybe, because if we could finish second and third it would be great,” Marini reflected from Austria on Sunday evening.

“It was a very difficult race but I think that we enjoyed this battle and ride in this difficult condition. It was great, so we were happy and we just give a hug and celebrate a little bit, was a very good race and to battle with him, is every time fantastic,” the rookie admitted of his older brother and nine-time world champion.

“It was a really crazy race,” Marini continued.

“The last lap was really difficult to try to don’t crash, sincerely. Because just the lap before, just turn three was really wet, but with the slick I was able to ride quite well in that condition but the last lap started to rain a lot.

“The track was full wet and was really difficult because the temperature of the tyre goes down a lot, and also the temperature of the brakes. Was really difficult the last lap but I just tried to manage it in the best way, because I believe in the podium, but at the end, on the last three corners, the guys with the rain tyres were very fast. At the end when Pecco overtake me, I was really sad, because I knew that all the other riders were coming. I tried to defend but it was impossible in that situation but I’m happy that he finished second,” he conceded gracefully.

“In this situation, this year I improved a lot, because in the past, when I saw some drops, I slow down a lot. I don’t know why, maybe that I’m just improving and making experience, or also the feeling of the Ducati in this condition is incredible - because I think is a very good bike in this situation - and also the Michelin tyre works really well in this situation.

“I improved a lot during this year, race by race, every time I’ve been trying to learn something, and especially to have a better mindset in this situation - because the raindrops are just on your mind at the beginning. The tarmac is very hot, and there is a lot of grip at the beginning, so when you see the other riders slow down, you can keep your pace for just some laps more or some corners more.

“I’m proud of my results today, my race today, because it was just great and I’m really happy that I was clever and I took the right decision in a critical moment. This really makes me proud of the work that I’m doing now, so it’s just great feelings. Sincerely, the podium would be better, but we have to enjoy this race, and think on the next one.”