If you look around these days, you will find not only the virtual Grand Prix but also virtual press conferences. And it turns out we can find Alex Rins, who has just benefited from his two-year contract extension with Suzuki and has been meeting with journalists behind his computer screen. It’s an unusual appointment for sure, but one that could become a habit in this emergency situation. However, the Spanish driver was able to answer questions and tell how he is doing these days.
“First of all, I have to say that I am very happy to be able to stay at Suzuki for two more years and continue my growth. I am sure that we can achieve good results together – he said – Why did I choose to stay? I like the people who work with me, my team, I don’t mind racing because they really are my second family. This is the first aspect, then I tried our bike in the winter tests and found that it was improving and that they had gone in the direction of development that I asked for “.
Many observers say the Suzuki is one of the simplest motorcycles in MotoGP, if not the simplest.
“That bothers me a little, because it looks like me and I are ahead, because the bike is easy – Alex admitted – it seems easy, but in the end you have to push it to the limit. The GSX-RR has excellent cornering speed. It’s true, but the others are faster on the straight so you have to push hard to recover. “”
However, Rins never thought of giving up Suzuki.
“I had other options, but I never sat down at a table to go into it – he confessed – I talked to Suzuki about this renewal at the Argentine Grand Prix last year and signed the contract a few weeks ago. I would have liked to have announced it after a podium, but it went differently “.
Like everyone else, Alex is locked in his home in Andorra.
“And I’m lucky because we can go out for an hour a day and stay a kilometer from your home – he explained – I know the situation in Spain is improving a bit, but I prefer not to watch the news. It is so.” It is not easy for anyone to stay home mentally and physically. I try to train with what I have: I ride my bike on the rollers, do a few exercises, not much more. I’m with my dogs and I’m trying to teach my girlfriend to play on the PlayStation. “
But he also found the time to propose to her.
“She’s in her senior year, I wanted to wait, but I bought the ring the day before the restrictions. We’re home together and I couldn’t wait to do it – he said – it was a real surprise for her , but we haven’t decided on a date for the wedding yet, I think it will be next year. “
During this time there is also a lot of time to think …
“In a way It is as if all the drivers have withdrawn and so I started to think about what I would do when I stopped riding my motorcycle. Well, I don’t know what I’m going to do, “he smiled.
So it is better to think about starting over. Nobody knows when the first GP will take place, but the drivers will certainly have to deal with a long break.
“We haven’t been on the bike in a long time since testing in Qatar – Alex remembered – The first time we get on a MotoGP bike again will be difficult. a bit like in Malaysia after winter: at the end of the first day you feel bad everywhere. It’s normal, but that doesn’t mean I want to test a day or two before I leave. I would prefer to start the race immediately without wasting time. “
Rins is also not worried about the aftermath of the development freeze through 2022.
“I don’t think it will be a problem – he said – As I said, our tests went well and I had also seen that other bikes were competitive, starting with the Yamaha. The Honda still had a few problems, but we knew it would solve them. “”