Fourth in the World Championship last year, 6 points behind Maverick Viñales, Álex Rins won 14 Grands Prix, including 8 in Moto3, 4 in Moto2 and 2 in MotoGP. For his debut in the premier category in 2018, he reached the podium in Argentina, the Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia and Valencia. It won last year in Texas and the United Kingdom.
Winner of the CEV in 2011, Álex Rins competed in a single GP in Moto3 in 2012. In 2013, with fourteen podiums including six successes, he inherited the title of vice-Champion. 2015 marked his big debut in Moto2, a season at the end of which he finished second and best rookie.
Alex talks to us here about his current situation and how he approaches it.
Did you imagine that this situation would become so important and directly affect your work?
“What is happening is something no one could ever imagine. We are living in a very strange and very important moment in history, it is something that will not soon be forgotten. So no, I couldn't imagine that something like this could stop our work and our lifestyle. »
How are you able to cope with staying at home all day during the Covid-19 crisis?
“Well the first thing I do is stay calm, I think that’s important for everyone. I understand that these are exceptional circumstances and that we must adapt, it is our only choice. I try to keep a routine during these weeks at home; training and exercise, rest, and spending more time with my partner and my dogs. »
What is the most important part of your routine that keeps you feeling positive during quarantine?
“Training and exercising at home is essential for me as an athlete. You need to try to replicate what you would do under "normal" conditions, but there are many things you can't do, so in this case you need to be imaginative and find new ways to practice or new equipment to use. »
How has this global crisis that has paralyzed the world, including sports, affected your lifestyle?
“We were ready to participate in the competition and at the last moment we learned of the cancellation of the Qatar race. It was certainly the right decision because soon after we began to understand the magnitude of the situation. It was difficult to be mentally and physically ready to tackle the racing season and then have it taken away from you. But at the end of the day, I think it affects me like any other person, it's a difficult time. I just try to keep a good routine and stay physically as prepared as possible. »
You spent a whole winter without races, you did all the tests, and then you were forced to wait indefinitely because of the coronavirus. Mentally, how does this affect the head of an athlete who was very well prepared to start the championship campaign?
“At first it was a big disappointment, we really wanted to start, especially since we had just had the first tests after a long winter, and the tests went well for us at Suzuki. But we stop these feelings of disappointment and we just want to do everything in our power to protect our loved ones and get this over with as quickly as possible. But of course, physically and mentally, I remain prepared for the race. »
And what did it teach you about life?
“Well, you suddenly realize that everyday things, which you usually ignore or don't notice, are so much more valuable than what you give them credit for. Simple things like family, friends, and of course, health. »
Have your training strategy, diet and habits changed much?
“I have adapted my strategy to the particular conditions we are experiencing, the routine and diet are essentially the same but with some adaptations to take into account the restrictions. »
What is the best way to maintain your fitness and fitness during these days?
“I don't know if there's really a particular formula to achieve this, but what I do is try to maintain normalcy as much as possible. It's important to stay physically and mentally fit, and always be ready to start running. »
In the absence of a motorcycle, your favorite way to pass the time is…
“I have a small space in my house that I created for exercising, so I spend a lot of time there. I also love playing with my dogs, and I take the opportunity to try new things that I didn't have time for before. »
The World Championship will start after a long delay and there will be many close races in the latter part of the season. How might this affect things?
“Well, the truth is I don’t know, it’s something that’s never happened, so we’re all just learning to go with the flow.” Different options are being considered regarding the distribution of GP races. Dorna works hard and faces a very difficult situation. It will be really difficult to have so many close races, but I am sure that when we can restart there will be a great championship and action for the fans! »
How are the people around you coping with the lack of running activity?
“I think everyone is doing well. It’s an extraordinary situation to adapt to, but it’s an adaptation that everyone must make; not just a pilot like me, but every citizen. »
Do you think this delay in the start and end of the World Championship will affect you positively or negatively?
“The team and I were really ready to start the season, we were in good shape and ready to attack. Now we have to maintain this level in order to be ready to race when the season starts. I'm ready for the championship, whatever format it takes. »
Source and photos: Suzuki