While he will celebrate his 24th birthday in a week (he was born on December 8, 1995), Álex continues his progress in MotoGP, still with Suzuki. Sixteenth for his rookie season in 2017, he was fifth last year and fourth in 2019. He has just won his first two Grands Prix in this category, in Texas and in the United Kingdom, after having already won four times in Moto2 and eight times in Moto3.
He has been on the podium a total of eight times in MotoGP, five in 2018 and three in 2019. He had a total of 17 podiums in 2 seasons of Moto2 and 23 in 3 seasons of Moto3. This is how Rins experienced 2019.
“What is most positive are the victories we have had! As well as the podium we got in Jerez, and all the experience we gained during the season. As far as bad things go, it's accidents and mistakes made. Although in a strange way they also have something positive, because in the end we can learn from them and grow ».
This year has been fantastic for you, with 2 victories and the fight for 3rd place in the Championship. Did you expect all this at the start of the season?
“I was expecting good results and getting my first win after a strong 2018 season. In the end, we won two important victories, the one in Austin was my very first victory in the top category! And then the one at Silverstone was in front Márquez in the very last corner, so it was incredible. But for sure we learned a lot, and we are growing as a team, we improved the bike step by step and despite the crashes we finished a very good season ».
How did you get your first MotoGP victory in Austin?
“It was incredible. I remember that I passed Valentino with four laps to go, and I was pushing to the limit so as not to give him the chance to overtake me again. And in the last lap I was able to keep my concentration, I was a little nervous and it was like an explosion of emotions when I crossed the finish line and saw my team climbing on the pit wall! It was a unique experience and an unforgettable moment. »
Can you describe the emotions you felt winning your very first MotoGP race?
“It's very difficult to explain, because it's like a mixture of multiple emotions – not only on the track, but also afterwards in the garage with the whole team. It sounds cliché, but it truly was a dream come true! It's something I've been aiming for since I was little, so it was really special and very difficult to describe properly. »
How did the accidents at Assen and Sachsenring affect you?
“It was a bit difficult to swallow when I crashed again in Germany after the accident in Assen. I thought : “Oh no, not yet!” » But I remember that thanks to my personal team and the entire Suzuki team, I was able to manage the situation well. We focused on moving forward and embracing the future without worry. »
The next stage was Silverstone, the ultimate victory against Márquez…
“It was incredible! Fighting with Márquez is always very difficult. I remember that race very well, all the laps behind him studying his strengths and weaknesses, trying to figure out where the best place was to overtake him, and finally I beat him in the last corner of a few centimeters, a few thousand seconds! It is also difficult to describe what I felt at that moment. It was more than happiness, I would say ecstasy, I suppose. »
What areas do you think you and the factory should work on for 2020?
“Suzuki has already worked on the new engine specification for 2020, and we can feel the difference. We are trying to improve traction and speed. In my case, I want to be more consistent in the races and try to fall less.”
With Suzuki working on increasing power, increasing traction and improving acceleration... What are your first feelings with the new engine specification?
“The first contact with him was very pleasant. I remember in 2018 we had the new engine and I was a little disappointed because it didn't work very well. But this year, I immediately felt that he had a good performance. We tried the engine for the very first time in Valencia and we reconfirmed it in Jerez, to check that everything was working well and to make sure it was really better. I feel a little more power and better power distribution, and that's important. »
How would you rank your season from 0 to 10?
“I would say, 8.5. I crashed three times and couldn't have a perfect season. »
Photos and source: Suzuki MotoGP
