Neil Hodgson compares 35-podium MotoGP rider to Max Biaggi after ‘beautiful’ moment at Spanish Grand Prix

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Max Biaggi is one of the great motorcycle riders with four 250cc championships and two World Superbike titles. One current MotoGP talent produced a moment of his brilliance at the Grand Prix of Spain.

Riding in the premier class in the MotoGP era from 1998 to 2005, Biaggi finished runner-up three times racing on Honda and Yamaha machines.

While his success came in the 250cc class, the Italian was hugely competitive in the premier class. Winning 13 races and grabbing 58 podiums. Biaggi established a tense rivalry with Valentino Rossi as he battled for the title.

The 53-year-old lost out to the seven-time MotoGP champion in 2001 and 2002, but still produced some standout performances with his ‘beautiful’ riding style. In the present day, Neil Hodgson saw glimpses of Biaggi’s quality at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Neil Hodgson compares Maverick Vinales to Max Biaggi with his ‘beautiful’ riding style

After a difficult start to the season, Maverick Vinales is beginning to find his feet at KTM. The Spaniard produced a stunning display in Qatar as he led the race at one point.

The Tech3 rider was demoted to 14th due to a tyre pressure infringement. MotoGP fans were furious with Vinales’ penalty, but despite the disappointment, the 35-podium rider is keeping a positive attitude.

At Jerez, the 30-year-old continued to show his improvements on the RC16. Going top of the times in Q1, Vinales put his KTM sixth on the grid for the Sprint and the main race.

Speaking via TNT Sports 2 (26/4/10:00), Hodgson was in awe of Vinales’ ‘immaculate’ ability on the bike. He compared the Spaniard to Biaggi with his ‘beautiful’ riding style.

“Tell you what, they’re aren’t many people who look better on a motorcycle than Maverick Vinales,” he said.

“What a beautiful riding style he’s got, the way he goes about his business, he’s immaculate. Almost Max Biaggi-esqe from back in the day. Had a beautiful style as well.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Maverick Vinales from career stats to net worth

Maverick Vinales is looking to fight with KTM after recent performances

Vinales’ improvements have come seemingly out of nowhere, as his RC16’s chatter issue almost disappeared in Qatar. KTM do not know why the issue improved – they still have a lot of work to do at the factory.

But the 30-year-old is looking to take the performance in his stride and fight with the Ducatis at the front. Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal sent a warning to Marc Marquez as he claimed he has been ‘almost unbeatable’ – he wants to challenge the championship leader.

Pedro Acosta says ‘we can’t forget’ Vinales’ talent, stating his breakout at KTM was a ‘matter of time’. The 20-year-old has been the manufacturer’s top rider this season, but his fellow compatriot is now giving him a hard time.

The KTM may not have the capability to win a race, but it seems to now have the pace to rival the frontrunners and potentially take a podium. Whether Vinales can get his RC16 back into the top three is another question.