This Thursday, September 30, 2021, Alex Rins answered questions from journalists from the Circuit of the Americas, ahead of the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the Spanish driver, who has just become a father and is approaching this new round on cloud nine.
As usual, we report here the words of Alex Rins without the slightest formatting.
Álex, how are you feeling ahead of this Grand Prix of the Americas?
" I I'm doing very well, and I'm very happy because Lucas [Rins just had his first child shortly after Misano] is sleeping very well at the moment! Otherwise I'm very happy to be back in Austin, because it's actually the first time we've been back here in two years. »
The last time you went to COTA, you won. So what are your expectations for this weekend?
" I have faith in our ability to deliver a good performance, because with all these chicanes and fast turns on this circuit, our bike should be very comfortable. However, we will see where our opponents are, because this year the level is very high and the field is really very tight. It will also be difficult to beat Marc Márquez here, but the race promises to be interesting. »
Is the very recent birth of your son likely to distract you from your goals this weekend for a good cause? Is this something simple to manage when you are a pilot?
" I Don't worry too much about it, because I know my partner is taking care of the little one. I'm calm on this point, and I keep asking for photos of the baby, but that doesn't stop me from being focused and ready to race here in Austin. »
Your bike works quite well on the bumps, because you managed to win here in Austin in 2019. Did you have the opportunity to go to the track and check the condition of it and in particular the presence of bumps?
" I haven't been on the track yet. Following the last Safety Commission, the bumps on the back straight have been removed, so we will see what happens this weekend. »
You just became a dad a few days ago. In the future if your son wants to become a pilot himself, what age do you think would be appropriate for him to move into competition?
" In Firstly I will try to introduce him to football more than to motorbikes. I won't encourage him more than that to ride a motorcycle, he will do what he wants. Afterwards, it is clear that the type of accident which occurred last weekend in Jerez [where Dean Berta Viñales, cousin of Maverick, died while racing in the Supersport 300 category] makes us think. But risks are part of this sport. It's obviously sad what's happening, and I completely understand Maverick's decision to stay home for this weekend. »
Do you think that the support provided by Dorna to pilots is sufficient in these types of tragic events?
" I think we are indeed getting good support. The Safety Commission helps improve the safety of all drivers year after year. Big progress has been made in terms of track conditions, combinations, etc. Every year we go faster and faster, but this year is really dramatic because we have already had three deaths [Jason Dupasquier in Moto3 at Mugello, Hugo Millán in Aragón, and Dean Berta Viñales last week in Jerez]. »
