As each round passes by, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki ECSTAR) is gaining a reputation for recovering through the field from starting positions that are less than spectacular. The Spaniard qualified 13th for the Italian Grand Prix, yet momentarily led the race at Mugello in the Gran Premio D’Italia Oakley. The Suzuki rider has put in remarkable performances throughout 2019 and with his latest comeback, his tally of position made up from his starting position versus his race finish position is 48.
Having taken his first win at COTA, Rins has made up 29 positions – making him one of the most spectacular riders to watch surge through the field, and certainly adding to the excitement during Sunday afternoon’s races. Mugello was no different, with him placed sixth by the end of the opening lap before steadily showing his pace and working through the order, eventually finishing in fourth place.
Leading the group!???? What a fantastic feeling. I hope u did enjoy the show???????? // Liderando el grupo???????? Es brutal esta sensación! Espero que hayáis disfrutado???? #ar42 #motogp #suzuki #italiangp pic.twitter.com/lAPQ9rHJC4
— Alex Rins (@Rins42) June 2, 2019
“I don’t think that if we had a better qualifying the result would be better,” declared Rins, stating that his qualifying result didn’t influence the outcome of the race. “I’m lucky because I recovered a lot of positions on the first lap, but we struggled on the straight. Before coming here to Mugello, we knew that the long straight would be difficult for us.
“After the race I was feeling disappointed, more or less I have the same feeling as I did in Qatar. I had the rhythm to spend more time at the front and fight for the win but anyway, I tried 100% and pushed really hard. Even up to last corner as I tried to overtake Dovizioso, but his traction was better than me. So, we finish fourth, but I am happy.”
Thinking about the championship, Rins knows that he needs to take points when he can. With Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati) taking points away from Marquez, it is far from a disaster for the Suzuki man.
“If we think about the championship then yes, it’s a good position and a lot of points. But, if we think race by race then no, I am angry. This is a long championship and results like this are good for the championship so 13 points is what I bring home.”
Can Rins take a second win of the season at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya?