Alex Rins aims for MotoGP resurgence with Yamaha
After a tough 2024 season, Rins hopes to regain form and deliver results for Yamaha.
By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina
Alex Rins endured a challenging first season with Yamaha in 2024, struggling to make a significant impact. The Spanish rider finished 18th in the MotoGP standings, managing just two top-10 finishes throughout the year. His difficulties stemmed from a serious leg fracture sustained in 2023, which hampered his recovery and preparation. Further setbacks followed, including a crash at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, complicating his path to full competitiveness.
Despite these struggles, Yamaha remains confident in Rins' potential. The factory team is convinced that he can rediscover his best form in 2025, provided he regains confidence and adapts fully to the Yamaha YZR-M1.
Mixed results in pre-season testing
Rins participated in pre-season testing at Sepang and Buriram, showing flashes of improvement but still struggling to match the leading riders. At Buriram, he finished 17th, trailing teammate Fabio Quartararo and several other competitors. However, Rins remains optimistic about the progress made during testing.
“I am happy with the work done during pre-season,” Rins said. “We have spent many days on the bike here in Buriram and Sepang, and we ended this test with a good feeling. I feel quite confident.”
While Quartararo continues to lead Yamaha’s charge, the team believes Rins can become a strong asset if he rediscovers his rhythm.
Yamaha's expectations for Rins in 2025
Yamaha team boss Paolo Pavesio has expressed faith in Rins, acknowledging his speed and experience but emphasizing the need for confidence.
“Fabio Quartararo is our spearhead, and Alex has great potential in terms of speed,” Pavesio told crash.net. “As soon as he renewed for the 2025 season, he crashed and got injured again. He told me his leg was fine, and I believe him.”
Pavesio further highlighted that Rins needs to regain the joy of riding. “Alex needs to find the pleasure of riding a bike again, gain confidence, and make that mental ‘click.’ We signed him for two years because we see something in him. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There won’t be a single change that makes him a second faster, but as we’ve seen with Fabio and Jack Miller, that mindset shift can make all the difference.”
A proven race winner looking for redemption
Rins has demonstrated his ability to win races in MotoGP, securing six victories throughout his career—five with Suzuki and one with Honda at the 2023 Grand Prix of the Americas. His triumph in Texas was Honda’s most recent MotoGP victory, breaking a winless streak that had lasted since 2021. However, since joining Yamaha, Rins has yet to replicate that level of performance.
The 2025 season presents a crucial opportunity for him to turn things around. With a supportive team and the motivation to bounce back, Rins has the tools to regain his competitive edge. If he can consistently challenge for strong finishes, he could solidify his place within the Yamaha factory team and prove his value as a top MotoGP rider once again.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Rins to see whether he can overcome his recent struggles and return to the front of the pack.
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