Facing a challenging MotoGP season, Alex Rins is determined to bounce back! Despite doubling his points from the previous year, the 2025 season proved to be a tough one for Alex Rins, as he candidly admits. Let's dive into the details of his struggle and his aspirations for the future.
Rins, a former race winner with Suzuki and Honda, experienced a dip in the world championship standings, finishing in 19th place. His best race finish on the Inline Yamaha M1 improved only slightly, from eighth to seventh.
"It was a tough, difficult year," Rins confessed, "because the bike was not performing super well." He also noted how difficult it is for a rider when good results are not achieved. He found solace in the unwavering support of his team, who stood by him even during the most challenging times.
"I haven't forgotten how to ride a motorbike!" This statement encapsulates Rins's resilience and determination.
His most competitive weekend came in Mandalika, where he secured fourth in FP1 and repeated that feat in qualifying, ultimately starting the race in a season-best position. However, tire wear issues prevented him from achieving a higher finish in the grand prix.
"When you have the right feeling with the bike, you can give your 100%. And in Mandalika, I had it," Rins reflected. He highlighted the importance of a good bike setup.
But here's where it gets controversial: Qualifying proved to be a major hurdle. Rins's next-best grid position was ninth, and he found himself starting 15th or lower in half of the 22 rounds. This significantly impacted his race chances. While his teammate, Fabio Quartararo, excelled in qualifying, Rins struggled, ranking 17th in qualifying form.
Rins acknowledged Quartararo's advantage, citing his experience with the Yamaha and the bike's compatibility with his riding style. "He has a lot of experience with this bike. It fits really well with him. It is his seventh year with Yamaha. I don’t want to say we cannot do it, but for him it definitely came more naturally.”
The upcoming V4 project aims to improve rear grip, but Rins highlighted the strength of the outgoing Inline4 machine: its exceptional braking performance. "The bike performs really well on brakes. It is really stable and quite nice. Braking is a really strong point. But we did not have a lot of grip with the rear, so it was all with the front.”
Rins experimented with his riding style, but with limited success. He's now focused on regaining the feeling and pace to compete for victories in the upcoming V4 project in 2026. His ultimate goal remains winning a world championship.
And this is the part most people miss... With Yamaha retiring its Inline engine, Rins's victory at Valencia in 2022 will be remembered as the last MotoGP win for an Inline machine, at least for the foreseeable future.
What do you think about Rins's challenges and his prospects for the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
