Suzuki sets likely return date for injured Rins

Rins, 21, sustained fractures in his left wrist and forearm in a practice crash during the Grand Prix of the Americas weekend and was subsequently operated on by regular MotoGP surgeon Dr Xavier Mir, with two titanium plates used to fix the broken bones in place.

The injury was expected to rule him out for at least six weeks, with Suzuki test rider Takuya Tsuda having raced as substitute in Jerez and Sylvain Guintoli confirmed for the same role for Le Mans.

It is now understood, however, that Rins is also likely to miss the Mugello round and his home event at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The Barcelona native could still recover in time for his home race, but Suzuki would have to be certain that he has recovered fully.

"We want Alex to return only when he's 100 percent ready to ride, and when his physical condition doesn't restrict him from doing anything," Suzuki team boss Davide Brivio told Motorsport.com.

Data proves Rins can be "very fast"

Rins, who finished in the top three in Moto3 in 2013 and '14 and then in Moto2 in '15 and '16, has had a tough start to life in the premier class so far, his progress stymied by injuries.

The Spaniard hurt his back in a crash in his debut Suzuki test in Valencia late last year and raced in Argentina through injury sustained in a motocross training crash – before being forced onto the sidelines by his Austin accident.

But while fellow rookies Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger enjoyed a smoother transition to MotoGP, Rins, who finished ninth on his debut in Qatar, has been backed by team boss Brivio to come good in the premier class.

"We are very happy with Rins because we have seen how talented he is," Brivio said. "The data and his riding style make us think he can be very fast on a MotoGP bike.

"He has a good technique, but he hasn't been able to maximise it so far because of the injuries.

"This [early] phase was important so he could have a strong end of the season, but it has all been delayed. Rins has great potential, but you can't buy experience."

Guintoli hoping to continue past Le Mans

Rins' Le Mans replacement – former MotoGP regular and World Superbike champion Guintoli – has not been confirmed past the French round.

But he could very well reprise the role in subsequent events, given that the British Superbikes series – where he is a regular – does not resume until after the Barcelona MotoGP round.

Asked whether he would remain in the line-up until Rins was fit, Guintoli told Motorsport.com: "Yeah, that's the plan. At the moment, nothing is confirmed yet but the fact I'm available onwards is good, in case. The team wants Alex to be really fit before he returns."

Ahead of his return to MotoGP for his home grand prix, the 34-year-old – 2.625s off the pace in the official test at Jerez – says he doesn't know what is possible for him to achieve at Le Mans.

"In terms of results, there is no pressure," Guintoli added. "Everybody is aware that it is a very tough challenge to re-adapt to MotoGP, and also to the Michelin tyres.

"I think it will be a very beautiful experience, but it will be a very difficult challenge from a sporting point of view."

Additional reporting by Lena Buffa