Nothing’s been confirmed yet, but the word on the street is that Alex Rins has re-signed with Suzuki’s MotoGP team for another two years, through end of 2022.
The gossip comes at the end of the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 launch, where Rins was on-hand helping Suzuki present the new bike to journos. It sounds as if there was an information leak at the end, no doubt some gossip at an end-of-day drinks session or dinner.
Otherwise, Rins’ contract would have been up at the end of 2020, and word on the street was that Ducati wanted to get him on its factory squad. Rins has shown he has the capability to take races at the MotoGP level, winning the Silverstone GP last year. He finished fourth overall in 2019, with 205 points, just behind Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales (211 points) and just ahead of Fabio Quartararo (who racked up 192 points for Petronas). He’s definitely a big part of Suzuki’s success, and it’s no surprise they want to keep him around.
Very talented rider. If he is able to improve upon his generally very average qualifying he will be near the top. His race craft is excellent. I do not envision any rider dethroning MM, but Mr. Rins could be the best of the rest. I also think Juan Mir will make a big step forward this year. I am hoping for a very exciting 2020 season.