We continue our retrospective of each driver's season, from the last to Pecco Bagnaia. To appreciate the performance of our heroes, looking at their place overall is not enough. Thus, we will look at the dynamics, the context, the qualifications, the expectations that the driver in question aroused to judge his campaign. Yesterday was the season of
Johann zarco who was in the spotlight.
You can find the corresponding article by clicking on this highlighted sentence.
As a reminder, this opinion remains subjective, and only reflects the thoughts of its author.
I) Very good Rins
The ex-Suzuki rider had a year 2022 strangely similar to that of
Miguel Oliveira. Indeed, both won two Grand Prix each. Despite his status as an official driver, it was difficult to expect the Spaniard at this level, especially after his failed 2021 season.
From the start of the year, he showed himself to be very convincing, just like his rather well-born mount. He quickly scored two podiums, in Argentina and the United States, before experiencing a more than painful slump. As for his teammate
Joan mir, the announcement of Suzuki's withdrawal has a considerable impact on its good form. A tire pressure problem at Jerez, then three consecutive retirements, as well as a huge crash caused by the uncontrolled start of
Takaaki Nakagami in Barcelona.
Rins, on a good day, can look Bagnaia in the eye. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Injured, he is forced to miss the German Grand Prix. While we thought his season was unrecoverable, Rins responded in the best possible way. First of all, by managing to gain regularity in performance, then by showing itself to be truly threatening, as in Silverstone. The gap with Mir, who was at the same time having his worst career campaign, only grew. Rins was proactive again and, above all, fell less. It is missed in Thailand, of course,
but rebounds in Australia thanks to a performance from beyond the grave.
His characteristic sway and his perfect confidence in his machine gave the impression that he was floating above the track, especially in the first two turns. He thus won one of the most beautiful races of the year. A solid performance at Sepang allowed him to maintain his motivation, to
show even more solid in Valencia. He left no crumbs for the last outing of the Suzuki GSX-RR. A moving performance, although logically overshadowed by the coronation of Pecco Bagnaia. Its final position as well as the fall of Johann zarco allowed him to make a big jump in the general ranking. Two victories, two podiums and a 7th place when he was not expected: a more than decent year.
II) What a shame
Unfortunately, it is impossible to fully appreciate this late effort, for several reasons. First of all, we knew Rins was capable of such results. As he has proven in the past, he is part of this small group of pilots to possess this “little extra something”, a hint of extra soul. Like the Marc Márquez and others Casa Particular in Viñales, he is capable of turning a dangerous opportunity into a brilliant performance. When we relate this data to his final ranking, it is almost a disappointment to see him “only” 7e.
Double jeopardy. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
So yes, success was not on his side this year. But this is not the first time that he leaves us with this strange feeling, bordering on waste. See him occasionally on the highest step of the podium after races marked by his mastery only amplifies this unpleasant feeling. A statistic clearly illustrates this phenomenon, and shows that it is definitely out of place. Rins is the second driver with the most career victories (17) not to have been crowned in motorcycle Grands Prix, tied with Miguel Oliveira and behind
Ralf Waldmann.
Secondly, because his signature at Honda LCR
had been in place for a long time. Given Honda's current disastrous form, it's heartbreaking to imagine him struggling in 13th place, blocked by a motorcycle but also by a particularly depressing environment. Realize, the man who triumphed in Valencia will perhaps never get on the podium again, even though he is only 27 years old.
Conclusion:
The results are essentially the same as those of Oliveira. Álex did not reach a milestone in a unique atmosphere but with two victories, it is impossible to say that his year is a failure. A late but profitable awakening, which concludes the great Suzuki adventure in Grands Prix. The footage of his celebration hurts, as we seriously doubt he will be able to return to the highest level after his time at LCR. Compared to the rest of the board, it's a rather successful campaign, but if we compare its results to its potential, it is difficult to rejoice more than that. We wish him the best for the rest of his career.
What did you think of his season? Tell us in the comments!
Can it bounce off the RC213V? Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
