The third round of the MotoGP season 2021 will take place at the Algarve International Circuit this weekend. Alex Rins and Joan Mir are currently fifth and sixth in the championship.
The Suzuki couple are certainly hoping for better luck in Portimao compared to last season’s final. World champion Mir had to withdraw from the race due to early contact and a suspected problem with the motorcycle, while Rins was only able to achieve 15th place.
After an exciting last-lap fight with Maverick Vinales in Doha, Rins will start the race on Sunday, where he finished fourth against his Spanish compatriot.
Rins has not yet made it onto the podium in 2021 but before this weekend he said: “I am very happy to arrive in Portimão because it is a track that I really like and that is very pleasant to drive.”
“There are a lot of ups and downs and it’s great fun on the MotoGP bike.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting my team again and getting back on my bike! I’ll give it my all and see where we end up.”
For team-mate Mir, it was ultimately a disappointing end to race two in Doha after showing a lot of potential.
On the subject of matching items
The current world champion was looking for a similar result as the first race (fourth race) but after two contact with Jack Miller on some corners, the 23-year-old struggled to regain the momentum he had early on when he finished seventh.
Portimao was one of the worst laps for Mir last year in a stunning second season in MotoGP. Nevertheless, Mir is looking forward to the race because he wants to collect important points.
“I’m really looking forward to starting the race weekend in Portimão because we were unlucky last year and I had to pull out of the race, which was a shame,” added Mir.
On the subject of matching items
“So I want to have a better experience this year. It’s a track that I really enjoy and I think it might suit our bike quite well too.
“Earning points and improving will be important and I can’t wait to get back on the bike!”