MotoGP, Cecchinello: “Rins is negotiating with Honda and Yamaha for 2024”

We talked with Lucio Cecchinello yesterday about the rumors of a transfer from LCR, his team, to KTM (read what he told us HERE). But that wasn’t the only topic we discussed with him, because his team is also at the center of the rumors concerning the riders market. Alex Rins is, in fact, being tempted by Yamaha to take Morbidelli’s place on the factory team (as we anticipated almost a month ago).

Lucio clarified the situation: “Alex signed a contract with HRC that included two seasons, 2023 and 2024, but with an exit option in case he receives an offer from an official team. There had already been attempts last year at a marriage between Rins and Yamaha. But that didn’t go through because of Morbidelli. It was his manager who had wanted this option.”

So he’s thinking about leaving Honda?
“He received an offer from Yamaha and negotiations began with them and Honda from his manager, although I’m not involved in this process. I have no information. I can only say that it would be a shame for us to lose Alex, because he’s a very good rider. He’’s taking his time to reflect and understand what the best solution is. Certainly, continuing the project with Honda makes sense. He has already won a race, and the bike is set to grow faster than expected with a renewed commitment from HRC. On the other hand, Yamaha offers a place in an official team, so the conditions are probably different.”

In case he leaves, do you have a Plan B?
”Right now, we and HRC have decided to take time until Silverstone because so much could happen. We’ll take stock of the situation there.”

Speaking of Silverstone, will Rins be able to race?
“Alex asked us to wait until the end of the month to understand his physical condition. He started to take his first steps in the pool and, just the other day, he sent me a video in which he was cycling in the gym. We still have ten days ahead of us, and he wants to take some more time.”

If not, who will be his replacement?
”There are two candidates. One is Stefan Bradl and the other is Iker Lecuona.”