Here Is Which Honda Personnel Decision Surprised Alex Rins

Categories: MotoGP

Repsol Honda signs Joan Mir at the end of 2022. His then-Suzuki teammate Alex Rins was surprised by the decision of the Japanese.

In mid-2022, Suzuki announced its exit from MotoGP. Joan Mir ends up with Repsol Honda, Alex Rins in the LCR Honda satellite team. The latter would have liked the factory slot next to Marc Marquez.

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In an interview with SPEEDWEEK.com, the Spaniard explains that Honda’s decision to sign ex-Suzuki teammate Joan Mir surprised him.

“For sure they will have had an explanation, but I was quite surprised by the decision. We talked a little bit, but they preferred Joan. I don’t want to say they made a good or bad choice.”

After deciding on the 2020 World Champion at Honda, Alex RIns signed on with Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR team. Rins replaced Alex Marquez, who found his way to the Ducati after three years with the Japanese.

“We talked to Lucio Cecchinello, he gave me this opportunity and I was pretty happy,” Rins said, describing the situation. “They welcomed me with open arms.”

A Heroic Victory In Texas But Not Much Since Then

Although the Spaniard ‘only’ rides for the satellite team, he still has a lot of contact with Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig.

“He gives me advice, he tells me some things that I really appreciate because Alberto has a lot of experience. He has worked with a lot of riders, a lot of talented riders.”

“That’s pretty good. I talk a lot with Alberto, also in Texas, in Portimão and Argentina – he helps me.” Despite the American Grand Prix victory, it seems that even Rins hasn’t fully arrived on the Honda yet.

After all, he has not scored since the America weekend. The 27-year-old is aware that he’s not in the best shape of his career right now but also knows that’s not necessarily on him.

“I’m in really good shape, my performance is good, but I would like to be more consistent. It’s normal that it’s a bit difficult because the bike and everything is different, but step by step we’re getting there.”