MotoGP, Alex Rins: We have something new for Mugello that I can’t reveal.”

Alex Rins arrived at Mugello after three consecutive zeros. Definitely not the best way to tackle a demanding Grand Prix like the Italian one. But the Spanish rider is in a good mood, since he ended the race just a step from the podium after a great sprint two years ago here at Mugello.

Two years ago, your race went very well on this track but, since then, the Ducatis have made some progress in terms of speed. Do you think you can compete with Suzuki? Do you already have some strategy?
 “Yes, I’m very confident. We’ve analyzed the Le Mans data, and we’re already making decisions to face the Mugello circuit in the best possible way. In fact, this is the question that everyone keeps asking, with the Ducati’s new holeshot device and their speed. In 2019, we were at a disadvantage on the straight, but we made some changes that should take us a step further. We don’t have the same device, yet, but we’ve been working on something else that I can’t talk about right now.”

What’s the plan for this race weekend. Will you just focus on the race, or will you be looking for a good qualification first? There’s even a small chance that you’ll be racing in the rain. Would you prefer that?
 “I’d prefer to race when it’s dry. I feel better and can push the bike to the limit at high speeds, which can’t be done when it’s wet, without first doing several test laps. Generally, I’m also good when it’s wet but, oddly enough, we had a lot of problems last week at Le Mans. The plan is to be concentrated in the next few days and optimize the set-up, in order to obtain a good position on the starting grid. Finishing immediately in the Q2 would be ideal, but it won’t be easy with the Ducatis. However, I’m still optimistic.”

You don’t want to tell us specifically what you're working on. Can you at least tell us if it’s something completely new? Have you already tested it?
“It’s something entirely new. We still haven’t tested it but, from Japan, they say it should give us an edge. So, we just have to do some tests and see the results.”