Martin hit out at Marquez after the six-time MotoGP champion ruined his and Miguel Oliveira’s race 🍰at the season-opener, and while the two are far from being friends, respect was shown on several occasions during their battle in Le Mans.

After swapping positions several t🧸imes, Martin eventually got the better of Marquez before the Honda rider slid out of third when trying to respond immediately at turn seven.

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Prior to fighting Marquez, 🅘Martin had to recover from tenth place, which he did brilliantly before claiming his second podium of the weekend.

"When I arrived to the group I h💃ad a really big battle with Marc," said Martin. "I really enjoyed it because we had some moments in Portimao, so it was good to solve our problems on the💯 track. 

"He was fast, he was aggressive but we were both giving each other space. Finally, I 💛could make my move at a place where he was struggling a bit. 

"Then he made a mistake. I’m happy about my first pod💟ium of the season. For🥃 sure, I have been in the sprint but finally a Sunday podium is good."

When discussi⭕ng his battle with Marquez in further detail, the Pramac Ducati rider said he𝓀 was congratulated by the Honda rider post-race.

However, what their lengthy fight did do was allow Marco Bezzecchi to escape shortly after mid-race distance, even though the Ducati rider was faster and would have been tough to catch even if Martin passed Marquez much🗹 sooner.

Martin said: "After the race we met in the TV compound and he congratu𝐆lated me for the battle. I think he is one of𒁏 toughest guys to battle with. 

"Yesterday, I was studying his race with Pecco t♛o try and understand how to pass him. 

"I think I lost a lot of time, it was nice I enjoyed it, but I lost a lot of time and my oppo𒈔rtunities to go with Marco because I felt that my pace was much faster. 

"But I need to improve the overtaking and when I 🅠am riding with other riders. I think today, with him, I learned a lot."