Alex Rins will stay on Suzuki’s MotoGP roster until at least the end of the 2022 season, the Japanese brand announced this morning.
The 20-man season, which has yet to start, is the second and last to be dealt with in the two-year contract that Rins signed with Suzuki towards the end of his 17-man rookie campaign. His final extension will secure his future with the team for another two years.
He is entering his fourth year with Suzuki to maintain his position as an effective team leader. Teammate Joan Mir is sure to keep improving after putting pressure on Rins in the closing stages of the 17 Moto3 champions rookie campaign.
“My wish was to continue with Suzuki and eventually I did,” said Rins of his new deal.
“I believe the project has the potential to be a win, I have a desire to win, and that’s why we are a perfect match. It’s the perfect place for me and we all work hard together to get great results.
“I’ve always believed in the team and because of that it was very easy to get to the basic agreement very early.”
Rins got his works Suzuki chance after several strong seasons in Moto2 and after a Moto3 runner-up in both – 12 wins in his five seasons at the Junior Grand Prix.
Rins made his premier-class debut with Suzuki for Season 17 but battled for a low 16th place in the championship with a faulty engine on board the GSX-RR and an injury – despite finishing an impressive fourth in the season finale in Valencia .
Things improved for his second season, however, when he scored his first MotoGP podium in the second round of the season in Argentina before finishing fifth year and finishing another four podiums.
The Spaniard then scored his first win at the US Grand Prix last year before making eventual world champion Marc Marquez successful again at the British GP at Silverstone.
I will likely stay with Suzuki even after his current contract ends – which also expires this year – but the lack of racing this season has likely slowed further contract talks.