Alex Rins He is starring in what seems to be his most consistent season so far since he arrived in the premier class of MotoGP. At this moment he is second in the provisional standings, tied on points with the championship leader. Fabio Quartararo. The Spanish Grand Prix could be a very special occasion for the Barcelona driver, who hopes to be able to give his best version in front of the Spanish fans. For now, he has been second in the first free practice sessions of the weekend.
What is it like to become co-leader at the Spanish GP?
More than that, I’m happy for the fact that I’m going back to Spain, that the Grand Prix is played with people in the stands. Due to the circumstances of the Covid, in the last two years we have run as if they were pre-season training sessions, with the circuit empty.
Have you noticed something different in Jerez? And on the circuit?
We were touring the circuit by bicycle and we could already notice the warmth of the fans, the noise of the motorcycles, the caravans, the bonfires. The truth is that I am happy that people can come back to the circuit, that they encourage us. In the end, seeing a full Grand Prix makes me happy, the fact of going through Nieto and Peluqui and that the whole pelouse is full, people in the paddock….
What is the circuit that you are best at and why?
The answer I will give you is conditioned by the results. Circuits that I really like are Silverstone and Austin, for example; I also really like Portimao and Jerez… I am not the typical rider who has a circuit or several circuits where he says “I don’t want to come here”. Those from Spain really like to go for the people, because they are full and you feel the heat, here in Jerez it is very nice to run; also in Portimao and Phillip Island.
In which Grand Prix do you suffer the most for food?
I would say outside. In the extra-European circuits, when we go and have to do an event, it is where you usually eat a little worse in the sense that you do not have Mediterranean cuisine. in the end there is catering, a little rice, a little pasta but, when you try the chicken with its spices or those things, it’s more complicated.
In which Grand Prix do you suffer the most from the weather?
In Malaysia, for example, because it is very hot and very humid. In Mandalika, in Indonesia or in Thailand, we haven’t been there for two years and it will also be hard because of the heat.
What do you think you lack to be regularly on the podium?
I wish we could always be on the podium. I think we’re missing a bit. In the end, now it’s not like before that there were two or three favorites and the worst result they could do was 4th. Now we all go very fast and it is difficult to be constant. If you ask me who can win here in Jerez, I don’t know what to say because of the equality that exists.
What is your goal this season?
My goal this season is to go race by race, see, analyze what we can do and what we can opt for each weekend.
Do you have the renovation issue on your mind?
No, I focus on the competition. In the end, the manager is the person who manages the contracts; that’s what it’s for
What do you expect from the Spanish GP?
I hope for a good weekend, good weather, which we didn’t have much of in Portimao; I hope to feel the warmth of the fans and, in terms of results, to be there and fight for the podium.