The Grands Prix follow one another and are similar for Yamaha. Alex Rins, although usually comfortable in Jerez, was relegated to 15th place at the end of this first day. This means an obligatory passage through Q1, a terrible session which almost determines the final result, especially on a narrow circuit like this. The Yamaha YZR-M1 has problems: it is slow in Andalusia, a track which has always been more or less successful for it. The situation is very delicate, but the pilots are not giving up.
Rarely have we seen Alex Rins so skeptical on a Friday evening since the start of the season. Almost a second behind Pecco Bagnaia's best time, the Spaniard can't lie: it's off to a very poor start. « We had a lot of problems with the bike. The same as before. It is very difficult to turn it, this was true when I tried to follow someone in the afternoon. We've already tried quite a few things. Maybe the aerodynamic improvements will help. Or maybe the problem is with the engine." could we read in the columns of speedweek.
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It's the MotoGP legend who they named the last corner of the Jerez track after: @ lorenzo99 😈 😇 #MonsterYamaha | #MotoGP | #SpanishGP | #FQ20 | #FabioQuartararo | # AR42 | #AlexRins | # JL99 | #JorgeLorenzo pic.twitter.com/2HCedmqZKT
- Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) April 26, 2024
Regarding his strengths, he is not much more talkative. And keep in mind that he finished almost half a second ahead of teammate Fabio Quartararo. “There are corners where I feel good, but I am not gaining time on the other drivers. Turn 8 for example. But overall, it was chaotic and all our problems prevent us from tackling the outings well.." he added.
For a long time, it was believed that the main problem with this YZR-M1 was its top speed. But apparently that's not the case. “Straight line speed is not bad. I think we can maintain our position, although we cannot overtake the Aprilias and the Ducatis” he concluded.
Yamaha engineers still have work to do. Do you think Alex Rins capable of a miracle tomorrow and Sunday? Tell us in the comments!
Practice result at the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport