Rins "sees" a future with Yamaha: Alex on the MotoGP riders’ market

Alex Rins is resting up after sustaining injury at Mugello. But despite limited physical activity, the team LCR rider is watching his name move on the MotoGP riders’ market. The only Honda rider to have won a race this year – plus a podium in the Sprint – number 42 is being courted by Yamaha.

Alex Rins, MotoGP top rider

Whether you believe it or not, it is Alex that represents the ‘problem’ for Marc Marquez. Ah, you think the eight-time champion’s problem is the RC213 V? Well that too, but the same bike – in fact the satellite LCR machine – has been ridden to victory by Rins, who also reached the podium in the sprint race in Texas.

Add this to the five wins he clocked up during his time with Suzuki, with whom he competed from 2017 to 2022, and we can say that the Barcelona native knows a thing or two about making his mark on a factory team.

He can ask the manufacturer for specific parts and modifications – then he’ll need to see if his requests are met of course – and he can earn more money. Tempting factors that would make it hard to say "no". If this is the kind of package he’s offered, then a change of team is just around the corner, despite the current difficulties in the Yamaha camp.

Rins and Monster Energy in cahoots: but Morbidelli?

You see it on the rider’s cap and also on the fairings of the M1. The energy drink sponsors both Alex and the Monster Energy Yamaha team, the (only) factory team it supports in MotoGP. Currently occupying the Yamaha garage is Fabio Quartararo, who has a contract valid also for the 2024 season. But there’s also Franco Morbidelli, whose contract is up this year.

We can easily imagine the Spaniard in his place. Also in virtue of the economics. But if Rins were to embark on this new adventure, Morbido would be heading out the door. Where would he go? He’d like a Ducati, possibly the VR46. Otherwise, a Gresini.