Why a Suzuki refugee feels he deserves MotoGP's toughest challenge

Alex Rins’ MotoGP future was plunged into sudden doubt when Suzuki elected to quit the series at the end of 2022. Securing a deal with Honda to join LCR, he will now tread a path that many have fallen off from. But it was a move he felt his status deserved, and it’s a challenge – he tells Autosport - he faces with his eyes wide open…

Lewis Duncan Jul 27, 2022, 2:07 PM

Upd: Jul 27, 2022, 3:29 PM

At the end of the 2021 season, Alex Rins’ future MotoGP options were limited to staying at Suzuki on less money than he was currently being paid, or take a non-factory bike at a satellite outfit.

For a rider who has won three times in his career, 2021 was a disaster. Scoring just one podium, Rins ended the year with just 99 points to his tally having crashed in six races and failed to start the Catalan GP after he broke his wrist when he cycled into a van while he was looking at his phone.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.