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MotoGP, Alex Rins, trying to make up for lost time

"Because of the injury, one test less and a month of down time, but I am ready. I am not under pressure, lots of changes give me more motivation"

Alex Rins, trying to make up for lost time

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Alex Rins’ adventure in MotoGP did not begin in the best of ways. At the first test on his Suzuki in Valencia, he had a bad crash and injured his vertebrae. Now that injury is in the past and the Spaniard is anxious to restart from Sepang, where the team was presented today.

I am fine now - he reassures - I do not feel any more pain in my back, just a bit in the morning right after waking up. I will need to see how I feel on the bike, but I am so excited to get started that I’m sure the pain will disappear!”

How much did that injury effect your preparation?
I missed the Jerez tests and a month of training, but I think that the 9 days of winter testing will let me make up for the lost time. That said, I would still like to take it one step at a time, because I know how difficult it is to figure out a MotoGP bike.

Have you changed your training method?
The MotoGP bike is more powerful than the Moto2 bike, just a bit (he laughs). I have tried to get stronger and I have trained a lot.

Could it be said that the accident in Valencia served as a lesson for you?
The problem was that the MotoGP demands more… everything! It takes more physical strength as well as more concentration. It is true that during the winter I did not have a lot of time to train because of the injury, but I am well.”0

What are your plans for this first test of 2017?
Tomorrow I will begin with the 2016 bike. I won’t have very many things to test. The important thing will be finding my pace. Then I’ll switch over to the new bike.

You are in the same situation as Viñales was two years ago. Do you think about that comparison?
More or less, but at the end of the day I have peace of mind. I know that I am on a good team, so I am not under any pressure. Therefore, I know that sooner or later good things will arrive.

The goal for this year is…
To go fast! (he laughs) Right now, I don’t know. Being Rookie of the Year is one, but for the others it is too soon to say.”

So you do not feel any pressure?
Right now, everything is new for me. In Valencia I entered the garage and saw two bikes for me and a lot of people. It was something incredible. At the same time, I feel like I am part of a family and all of these changes simply make me even more motivated in the end.

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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