As he approaches his tenth anniversary in MotoGP, Álex Rins finds himself at a decisive crossroads. With the end of his contract in sight, the Spanish rider must balance his mixed performances and Yamaha’s ambitions, which are about to enter a new era. The manufacturer’s choice to switch to a V4 engine could redefine his future.
An Uncertain Future with Yamaha
Rins knows he must give his best to secure his future with Yamaha. With the announced departure of Fabio Quartararo, he could become the pillar on which the factory team can rely. However, the rider’s recent performances have not lived up to expectations. “I will give everything on the track to have the best options for the future,” he confesses in an interview with the Catalan site L’Esportiu. “My goal is to renew my contract with Yamaha for the next two seasons, but I don’t know what their plans are…”
This uncertainty in Yamaha’s intentions does not play in his favour. Rins admits that his poor performances in recent years do not facilitate negotiations. “Having had an inferior bike these last few years does not help me when it comes to negotiating. We will have to see what Fabio Quartararo does, if they promote someone from Prima Pramac, if there are new signings… I will act based on what they tell me,” he adds, aware of the stakes surrounding him.
Time is running out and the competition is becoming increasingly intense. “Some riders seem very anxious, and time passes quickly. It’s curious to see how fast things are moving, especially with the new regulations for 2027, all the bikes will change,” he emphasises with a touch of concern.
The Choice to Go to LCR Instead of Gresini
Less than four years ago, Rins was a regular on the podium, easily navigating in the front group. After six years with Suzuki, marked by three seasons in the top 5 of the championship, his unexpected departure shook his career. His stint with Honda did not go as planned. “Since I left Suzuki, it has been complicated to manage everything, especially in terms of performance. At that time, I had the option to go to Gresini or to LCR Honda,” he explains.
He ultimately opted for LCR due to the promises of factory rider treatment. “I had the same material as the official team, and the improvements to the bike were supposed to arrive at the same time,” he specifies. However, despite a victory in Austin, the collaboration with Honda deteriorated rapidly. “It was complicated with Honda because they did not keep their promises,” he laments.
His choice to join Yamaha for 2023 is also filled with reflections. Although he knew the bike would not be ready for victories, he wanted to take on the challenge. Unfortunately, the results have not come. “In the end, we couldn’t achieve good results or even get on the podium,” he laments.
Apart from a victory in Austin, Álex Rins’ time with Honda has become a failure.
However, despite these setbacks, Rins does not regret his decision to join Yamaha. “I do not regret it because I cannot go back,” he assures, convinced that his choice was the best at that time.
He also emphasises that moving to Gresini was not a viable option. “It seems like a very easy decision to switch to a Ducati, but that is because currently, the satellite teams are not independent,” he explains. For him, the issue was not financial, but rather about the project and factory support.
An Injury that Interrupted His Path
Álex Rins’ career has also been marked by a serious leg injury during the 2023 Italian GP. “This injury was one of the most serious I have had,” he confesses even today. The aftermath has been heavy to bear. “I broke my tibia; it shattered into a thousand pieces; it was not a clean fracture. I suffered a lot,” he recounts with emotion.
The consequences of this injury have significantly impacted his daily life. “Until mid-2025, when I woke up at night to go to the bathroom, I still felt pain. A normal person does not need to remember that they have a leg,” he explains. Fortunately, he benefited from specific therapy that allowed him to regain his level.
Today, Rins feels recovered, although climate changes can still revive past pains. “Today, I only notice my injury if the temperature or humidity changes. I am completely recovered,” he concludes with relief.
The coming months are crucial for Álex Rins. Between his performances on the track and the uncertainty surrounding his contract with Yamaha, each race will be an opportunity to prove his worth and potential for the future.
