In the Mugello Sprint in early June, Alex Rins broke his right tibia and fibula in a fall. The Spaniard had to undergo surgery twice. In the summer, Rins celebrated his wedding in a wheelchair. Recovery is progressing, albeit slowly.
In Spielberg, Rins visited the MotoGP paddock for the first time since the serious injury. He continued to wear a splint on his right lower leg and supported himself on crutches. It is still uncertain when he will be able to get back on his LCR Honda.
“The reality is that before Spielberg I got on the MotoGP bike that I own at home,” said Rins. “I saw that I still can’t take the optimal sitting position.”
Fractures not yet fully healed
One problem is that he can’t position his right foot properly on the footpegs. “I also lack sensitivity in my foot,” continues the 27-year-old. “I still don’t have 100 percent mobility back. It’s because of the injured bones.”
He has an x-ray this week. “If I walk and put all my weight on the right leg, then I don’t have enough stability in the ankle.” According to the doctors, he can put up to 20 kilograms on his leg.
“But the nerves are the problem. I already have a good feeling in half of the foot. But if I touch another area with my finger, it feels like electricity. That’s good news because the nerves are recovering from week to week.”
Comeback at the home race in Barcelona still feasible?
“The problem is that I don’t see improvement day by day, I see it week by week,” Rins sighs. Originally, a comeback at the home race in Barcelona in early September was targeted. As of Spielberg, it is unclear whether Rins or Iker Lecona will drive there again.
“I want to ride my private motorcycle to see how I feel,” Rins thinks about the next steps. “I don’t want to go back and do Moto2 lap times, but if I’m slow and the strain is causing inflammation, then there’s no point.”
The nerves are the main reason why the comeback is delayed. His move to Yamaha next year has nothing to do with that. “I’m not the kind of driver who only returns in Valencia,” Rins firmly states.
MotoGP star Rins wants to go back “as soon as possible”.
“I’ll be back when I’m ready. If the doctors give me the green light for the tests, then I can do more in training. I’m looking forward to next year’s tasks, but there are still many races to come this year. “
“I want to come back to Honda and Lucio as soon as possible [Cecchinello] to give my feedback. You’re in trouble. I consider myself a driver with experience. That’s why I want to help them.”