Suzuki retains Rins as MotoGP factory rider
Alex Rins will remain a Suzuki MotoGP factory rider through at least the 2020 season, the Japanese marque has announced.
A new two-year-deal for the 22-year-old, who currently sits 12th in the MotoGP riders' standings, was confirmed by the Hamamatsu manufacturer ahead of the category's French Grand Prix at Le Mans.
"I'm very happy about this contract renewal," Rins said. "Even when I was in Moto2 and I was planning to move to MotoGP, it was always the Suzuki project which looked brightest and most interesting in my eyes.
"The project that the team have set up for me is fantastic, I can fully trust the capabilities of the company and the team when it comes to development and improvement and I'm sure we can continue to aim for big results."
A perennial frontrunner in his five years across Moto3 and Moto2, Rins was picked up by Suzuki on an initial two-year deal ahead of 2017.
The Spaniard's rookie season was ravaged by injuries, however, while the Suzuki outfit itself struggled to be competitive, leaving Rins to finish the campaign 16th overall after missing five races.
Equipped with a much-improved version of the GSX-RR in 2018, Rins has notched up his first premier-class podium in Argentina - although he has crashed out in the other three grands prix that have so far taken place this year.
"My debut last year was complicated but I always felt the affection and support of Suzuki and the whole team," Rins continued.
"We were able to turn the situation around through being patient, working hard, and being consistent, and finally this year we got the first podium together with my third place in Argentina.
"But no matter the results, whether good or bad, the mood in the box has always been positive."
Rins' renewal has been long-anticipated - and it's the identity of his future teammate that has instead been the main intrigue regarding Suzuki's 2019 line-up.
Although incumbent Andrea Iannone has been on a strong run of form in 2018, Suzuki is known to be keen on signing three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo from Ducati.
"The renewal of Alex’s contract is a source of great pride for us, especially as we always hoped it to be a project which would last for a long period of time," said Suzuki's MotoGP project leader Shinichi Sahara.
2019 MotoGP grid so far:
| Team | Riders |
|---|---|
| Repsol Honda |
TBA |
| Movistar Yamaha |
|
| Ducati | TBA |
| Suzuki |
TBA |
| Aprilia | TBA |
| Red Bull KTM |
|
| LCR Honda |
TBA |
| Marc VDS* |
TBA |
| Pramac Ducati |
TBA |
| Nieto* | TBA |
| Avintia* |
TBA |
| Tech 3 KTM |
TBA |
Marc Marquez
Valentino Rossi
Johann Zarco
Cal Crutchlow
Xavier Simeon
Miguel Oliveira* Manufacturer uncertain
Previous article
Espargaro "sad" about looming end to Smith "marriage"
Next article
Espargaro seals new two-year MotoGP Aprilia deal
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Alex Rins |
| Teams | Team Suzuki MotoGP |
| Author | Valentin Khorounzhiy |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
