Your teammate is always your first rival, and in the case of Alex Rins, that saying is doubly important. Not only do I ride the same motorcycle, but I’m also the reigning world champion and therefore the goal of every rider on the MotoGP starting grid. Alex’s 2020 was due to a shoulder injury at the first race in Jerez, but he’s back in top form now and can’t wait to get back into the fray.
Did your winter break feel too long without MotoGP?
“Yeah, I’m honest, it felt like a long time! With the cancellation of the Sepang test, it got even longer and I wanted to get on the bike as soon as possible. But unfortunately we had to wait. “
How could the cancellation of the Sepang test affect the start of the season for you and Suzuki?
“Fortunately, we have an advantage because the engines have frozen this year and at the same time not many drivers stay on the same team or in the same factories as last year. The riders who make their debut in the category or who switch bikes are likely to find losing the test more difficult than those like us who stay the same and have a strong bike. But we will still have a few extra days here in Qatar. “
How has Davide Brivio’s departure affected you?
“Well the truth is it came as a big surprise to everyone, but life goes on and we need to focus on what we have right now. The world keeps turning and I will have the same goals and motivation as always. I’m pretty sure the atmosphere and spirit on the Suzuki team will be the same or even better. I am therefore confident that everything will go well. “
What did the Suzuki employees give you for this new season?
“You gave me strength and confidence. In the winter I chatted a lot with my crew chief Manuel Cazeaux and my mechanics. I would have liked them to visit me in Andorra and all ski together, but that’s just not possible with the situation at the moment. “
The winter break meant you could rest, but did you also think about what worked and what didn’t work last year?
“It helped me in particular to rest because I’ve put too much pressure and demands on my body since the accident in Jerez in 2020 and it was good for me to take a little break. But it’s also true that I’m more interested than ever in getting back on my bike and starting over. I have of course thought about the mistakes we made last year and I hope they are not repeated. “
How is your physical condition at the start of this season after injuring yourself in 2020?
“I’m doing very well, I’m physically very strong now and I notice it when I’m on the bike, in training and in the gym. Even in the middle of the preseason I felt in very good shape so I hope I can confirm it now. I look forward to getting started. “
Are you carrying out your training plan for 2021?
“It was very similar to what I did in 2020. We focused on building a good physical base and developing it from there. In 2020 I arrived very fit, but unfortunately the crash in Jerez restricted everything. “
The fact that Joan Mir won the title on the GSX-RR is an added incentive. How does his title motivate you?
“Yes, of course it is an incentive and gives you new motivation because in the end the fact that Joan won the championship shows that the bike was there to win. Anyway, after all the obstacles with the injury and some bad results, it was very positive that we finished third and that gives me a lot of strength to start this year. “
How does your rivalry with Joan affect the bike’s performance on the track?
“Our rivalry naturally improves the motorcycle. but it also helps when working in the box. We both strive to be faster than the other and this path always improves. I really hope we will see a good competition this year. “
Given that regulations for 2021 are frozen in some areas like the engine, where do you think Suzuki can improve?
“If we make improvements it has to be in the aerodynamics and electronics as the rest is frozen and nothing can be touched for this season. Suzuki is working very hard to bring something good in these aspects. But overall we have a very balanced bike. “
After all the driver changes on the grid, if you had to pick three main competitors for this year, who would they be?
“Well it is very difficult! I can’t really tell For example, I don’t know how Marc (Marquez) will be physically in shape if he can return. However, he must always be counted as one of the main competitors. If I had to choose last season’s results, I would say Morbidelli, Viñales or Pol Espargaro will all be strong. “
Do you think Suzuki will have another successful and decorated season? As you said, having the same riders and the same bike is beneficial …
“The talent on the grid is high and this will lead to a competitive world championship like 2020. This is all the more true when the double races are repeated on a racetrack. we have already seen that it allowed for close battles. It could be a brilliant year for Suzuki, but it will also be difficult and we will have to work even harder than last year. “
Theoretically, this year’s championship will be a bit more extensive and varied than 2020, but also very Europe-focused. is that good for you
“Yes and no. It’s good for me because I like tracks in Europe, but I also like tracks outside of Europe. We were always strong in the second part of the championship and I like going to the ‘Flyways’. So it’s a real one Shame we can’t have these great races. “
And what about the fact that we may not have that many consecutive races on the same track?
“We could benefit from not having doubles, but you never know. What we do know is that one of our strengths is that the bike adapts quickly to different routes. We ride every route and the bike works well. “
What do you think you have learned to improve your weaknesses?
“Well, I’m not going to say (laughs), but we’re working on it …”
It seems that the World Cup will again depend on the persistence of Covid-19. After last year’s experience, do you feel more ready to deal with it, or do you never get used to all the protocols and fears?
“When you end up with something that is out of your hands and that you cannot control, always try to take the greatest possible precautions and minimize the damage. But there is always this point of stress, whether you get infected on a trip or not, that’s why we are always super protected. “
What is your goal for 2021?
“Bring Suzuki back upstairs!”