MotoGP, Shinichi Sahara, Suzuki: “Rins will need to improve in qualifying next year”

At Suzuki, when we take stock of the 2019 season, we can only be satisfied. And for good reason: the objective was to achieve a victory. And the Hamamatsu factory can present two! All thanks to Alex Rins who thus asserted himself as the leader of the GSX-RR project, quickly forgetting Andrea Iannone who played the elder until his departure for Aprilia. Certainly, but there is still room for improvement for the 24-year-old from Barcelona. And it’s even project manager Shinichi Sahara who says it…

At Suzuki, we are filled with a legitimate feeling of duty accomplished when we think about the 2019 MotoGP season. Two victories, podiums and a fourth place in the championship offer a more than honorable picture for a Hamamatsu factory which has not always been at such a celebration during the MotoGP era.

That being said, the final podium was possible before Casa Particular in Viñales don't go all out with the Yamaha. During this time, Kidneys stagnated, and failed to overcome its main pitfall: qualifications. A weakness that has not escaped Shinichi Sahara, project manager at Suzuki Ecstar: “ I like Álex's attitude, because he is always ready to fight. He is also still in good form on Sunday, although his qualifying performance is not the best. That's why he was nicknamed the Sunday Boy. ! » But he also emphasizes: “ to be honest he will have to improve in qualifying next year »

Because Sahara is convinced: “ I'm pretty sure he'll automatically get better race results as soon as he can be a little bit ahead of the grid. » But he also concedes: “ of course, it's not just about his riding style, it's also about the bike we put at his disposal. »

« We must progress and support him to improve », explains the project manager, who assures: “ This is exactly what we want to achieve with him. » The Japanese manager also does not forget in his overall vision his other promising pilot, who is Joan mir : " I have no doubt that he has the potential to be among the best drivers in the near future. His crash and injury in Brno seriously affected his performance in the second half of the season. Nevertheless, he came close to the podium in many races. Next year, he will no longer be a rookie, he will be able to benefit from his experience, which should strengthen his self-confidence. »

Waiting, Alex Rins got a few hairs lighter with this new hairstyle. Every detail counts against the clock...