Indeed, being Fabio Quartararo's teammate is not easy, given the talent that the French rider enjoys in MotoGP. Just like having to coexist, within the same team, with Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin or even Francesco Bagnaia. But the case of Alex Rins is special. On the one hand because he does not benefit from a winning bike. And on the other hand because he was the victim of several injuries, following falls.
MotoGP: Alex Rins, a talent who must prove himself, at Yamaha
So much so that it is difficult to objectively compare his results with those of the French last season. Something of which the leaders of the Yamaha team, in MotoGP, are well aware. Thus, in 2025, in a team that he will know better (the person concerned having started at Yamaha in 2024), with a physical condition in principle better, Alex Rins will be in a better position to resist better against Fabio Quartararo. Knowing that no one will ask him to beat the tricolor…
[…]« He came at a time when he wasn't 100%, that's for sure. He then had his ups and downs, and had another accident at Assen where he fractured his wrist. For me, he was never in a condition where he could truly express his potential 100%, although he always tried. Over the past two races, he has also started to get closer to his past performances, which is very important for us, because firstly, we know what he is capable of.“, declares Massimo Meregalli to the official MotoGP website.
He continues by highlighting another problem, that of fighting against teams with satellite structures and therefore additional bikes (and teammates). Since Honda and LCR, KTM and Tech3, Aprilia and Trackhouse but above all, Ducati and Pramac/VR46/Gresini were in numerical superiority against Yamaha. The only manufacturer to have, until now, only two machines on the starting grid. Knowing that in 2025, with Pramac, the Japanese will therefore be on par with the majority of its competitors. And that there will be two fewer Ducatis on the grid…
« But, you know, being alone and fighting against other drivers who have more teammates on the track is a big disadvantage. So when Alex is in good shape we have at least two drivers who can help us evaluate the information. And for me it will be very important next year when we have four drivers. This will bring us significant benefits. », concludes the person concerned, concerning Rins.
Alex Rins also has a track record that speaks for him, a reference to his good years at Suzuki but also to his splendid victory in the USA, in 2023, aboard a very modest Honda. What's more, with a satellite team, LCR in this case. It was, moreover, the last (and only, that year) success – and podium – for a Honda in MotoGP.
The AI is categorical, Bagnaia will be MotoGP champion ahead of Quartararo, in 2025! – Le Mag Sport Auto
No worries, therefore, regarding his intrinsic talent. On the other hand, he will have to find his place within a team entirely devoted to the cause of Fabio Quartararo. So getting your ideas, your feelings, your observations across to management will not be easy. Unless you demonstrate a return close to that of the Frenchman. Otherwise, he will have to adapt to a machine which will probably be tailored more for his teammate. A delicate situation, therefore, for the Spaniard…
As such, the support of Massimo Meregalli will be even more precious.
Article published on 01/05/2024 at 6:10 a.m.
