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His 2023 was troubling, to say the least. That’s also why Alex Rins is counting down to the start of his new adventure with Yamaha alongside Fabio Quartararo.
When he suddenly ended up without a team after Suzuki left the MotoGP, Alex played his Honda card with Lucio Cecchinello. But fracturing his tibia and fibula during the Mugello Sprint Race prevented him from putting himself to the test and forced him to be absent until the Japanese weekend. Yet, his ordeal wasn't over, since he then had to have surgery in October for a hernia.
The worst now seems to be over. “I’m fine, and the sensations are good,” he confided to Marca. “Don’t forget that the injury to my tibia wasn't normal. That said, I’m getting better every day, and that gives me confidence.”
The challenge that awaits him won’t be a walk in the park. Sharing the garage with a champion is always complicated. “It’ll be very interesting to have him by my side. He’s a very fast rider, and I believe that, together, we’ll be strong. In my opinion, having a winning partner, and a team that supports you, is crucial.” And, to further motivate him, he’ll have the telemetrist with him, who he had already worked with in Suzuki. “I wanted to bring someone with me who I trusted. This way, I can quickly fight for the top positions. That’s what I’m hoping for,” he remarked.
Aware that the M1 he’ll be riding was built for the needs of the Diablo, Alex confirmed that he’ll also try to contribute to the aerodynamics, so as to acquire the competitiveness he needs to cause trouble for Ducati, as soon as possible. And speaking of the Borgo Panigale team, in the upcoming championship, all the spotlights will be on Marquez, who has moved to Gresini Racing. “Marc, champion? Why not?” the 28-year-old rider said, convinced. “This year was proof that you can also win with a satellite bike. The Desmosedicis are very good and balanced, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competing for the world championship. His brother, Alex, has already demonstrated such.”
In comparing himself to the eight-time world champion who left Honda after twenty years of collaboration, the rider from Barcelona commented: “I can’t speak for him, not knowing his situation. As for me, I had an annual contract with an option. But then Yamaha made me an interesting offer. I repeat, I didn’t terminate my contract, unlike him.”
The year filed away in Valencia has been defined by many as the “Ducati Cup”. However, Alex is optimistic as he looks to the near future. “They’ve been protagonists in many races and, as a team, they’ve tried to develop the bike very quickly. However, I’m sure that it’ll be different and that we’ll also be part of the game.”
Returning to the 2023 season, Rins made no secret of his disappointment regarding Jorge Martin’s defeat. “He had tire problems in several GPs. He was unlucky in Qatar. But when you compete, that’s how things go. His fall in Indonesia was probably the decisive one.”
Lastly, he spoke of Pedro Acosta, who will be making his debut in the Premier Class in March, riding a KTM. “He could reach the top and take home a few races. He’s a talented young man, fast and intelligent.”
Alex then concluded on a personal note, dedicated to his being a father: “Having a child is helping me, and it’s not true that you get slower. I’m lucky to be supported by my family, and this allows me to be more focused and perform better.”
