ALEX RINS IS MAKING HIS RETURN TO GERMANY THIS WEEKEND
Team Suzuki Ecstar and the MotoGP ™ World Championship are preparing for another dose of consecutive rounds after a short break after the double-headed Mugello-Catalunya.
The first stop will be the Sachsenring in Germany, where Alex Rins is celebrating a provisional comeback after an injury and Joan Mir wants to increase his championship points with another strong finish.
While preparing for the Catalonia GP on June 3, Rins fell while cycling on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. Dr. Xavier Mir diagnosed him with a “joint fracture of the right distal radius with a small displacement and severe inflammation”. He underwent an operation at the Universitari Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona, during which two screws were successfully fixed. Two days later he began rehabilitation and gentle training and has now been released for riding.
On Wednesday morning June 16, Rins visited Universitari Dexeus Hospital again for some checkups and his stitches were removed before traveling to the Sachsenring. Doctor Xavier Mir said: “After we have removed the stitches and checked his wrist, we think the mobility of the injury is pretty good and he will try to race in Germany. Of course, he could be in pain during the sessions and possibly need physical therapy. “
In the past, both Suzuki riders have had some strong results on this technical track, with Mir taking victory in the Moto3 class in 2017 and second in Moto2 a year later. He finished seventh on the track in his first 2019 MotoGP season, but Germany was missed out on last year’s disrupted calendar. Rins has enjoyed two podiums here in the past, including in the Moto3 and Moto2 classes.
The Sachsenring has been part of the MotoGP ™ calendar for 23 years and is seen by many as one of the Grand Prix classics. One of the most prominent features was added in 2001 and is known as the “waterfall”. The steep descent to the right in turn 11 is a spectacle for the fans, but a challenge for mechanics and engineers.
Located in green Saxony, the race track in the far east of Germany is an ideal meeting point for fans from all over Central and Eastern Europe. In a “normal” season this would mean a large number of spectators, which adds to the atmosphere, but unfortunately the grandstands remain empty this year.
Curiosity – GP of Germany: It’s the second slowest track on the calendar, full throttle or full throttle for only 15% of a hot lap. It is also the shortest route in the championship at just 3700 m.
Joan Mir:
“It will be good to be back in Germany, I was here in my rookie season in MotoGP and did well, but of course we missed coming here last year. It’s a track that I like, it’s pretty technical with lots of ups and downs and blind corners. There are far more left turns than right turns, so it’s important to make up for the difference on the left. Tire management is important and you need to be very precise with your lines. There aren’t many good overtaking spots, but there is the first corner and also just after the waterfall section, although it is generally a difficult stretch. I’m looking forward to getting a strong result. “
Alex kidneys:
“I’ve been to Doctor Mir for a few checks and I feel pretty good. He took out the sutures and the bone seems almost solid. I have pain moving my wrist so I will continue to work on my recovery these days. I will definitely try to give it my all. We didn’t compete at the Sachsenring last year, so I’m really looking forward to getting back on the track here in Germany. I am very happy to be back on the team; I can’t wait to see them all and race again with my GSX-RR. “
Shinichi Sahara – Project Leader & Team Leader:
“We are happy to see Alex Rins back on track this weekend after his injury and surgery in Catalonia. It will be difficult for him to return in full force, but he has already started his rehabilitation and the injury is healing well. This is quite a physical stretch for the drivers despite the short lap so it won’t be easy for him, but we know he is ready to push hard and recover from this bad period. Joan Mir has had some nice consistent results in the last few races and we are confident that he can build on that success. We had a test after the race in Catalonia and worked on some small but useful adjustments that could help us in our search. The Sachsenring is not an easy track, but we feel fit for the weekend. “