MotoGP: Alex Rins repeats COTA success for Honda

Alex Rins wins the Grand Prix of the Americas after a dramatic shootout in Texas.

Bagnaia got the whole shot from the line, with Rins attempting to find a way through at turn one. It was Bagnaia who led the way, hoping to repeat his MotoGP Sprint success from Saturday.

Alex Marquez and Jorge Martin crashed on the flip-flop after Martin lost the front, taking out Marquez in the process. This crash ended both Martin’s and Marquez’s race, adding more disappointment to Alex Marquez’s weekend.

Aleix Espargaro crashed at turn 12 after losing the front on the apex of the corner, ending his race.

Jack Miller had an incredible start, moving into third position at the start of the Grand Prix, onboard his RC16. Miller was aggressive at the first corner, after qualifying in 10^th position, ahead of his teammate.

Alex Rins continued to look strong at the front, setting the fastest lap of the race early on, showing his pace. Bagnaia’s gap was closing every sector, proving how strong the LCR Honda rider is. 

After starting on the third row of the grid, Fabio Quartararo also had a great start to race onboard his M1. Quartararo made his way into fourth position, continuing his hope of his first podium of the season.

Crashes for key contenders

Jack Miller’s race ended prematurely after a crash losing the front at turn seven, promoting Quartararo to the podium.

Francesco Bagnaia also crashed after a fall at turn two, ending his race on lap seven and leaving Ducati devastated. Bagnaia was in the race lead and was under extreme pressure from Rins in second position.

Joan Mir also had his own crash, ending his race onboard the Repsol Honda, while battling for points. Fellow Honda, Takaaki Nakagami crashed at turn one with the front end folding early in the braking zone. Brad Binder also had his own crash in the race, but he would manage to remount on his KTM. 

All eyes were on the front of the Grand Prix, with Rins’ gap reducing from the Luca Marini and Quartararo. After passing the Yamaha on the back straight, Marini found his way into second position.

Maverick Vinales made his way into fourth position, after a strong late race pace from the leading Aprilia rider. Miguel Oliveira was behind in fifth, with Raul Fernandez retiring on lap six.

Championship leader, Marco Bezzecchi was in sixth position with his eyes on extending his Championship lead. The race leader, Rins did an incredible job in maintaining the race lead from Marini, as he looks to win Honda’s first race of the season. 

Stefan Bradl crashed out of the race with two laps to go in the Grand Prix, ending his race. Only 13 riders remained in the Grand Prix, with both test riders Pirro and Folger looking to score points. 

Tears of joy for Honda

On the final lap, Rins continued to push, extending his race lead to over three seconds on the Honda. At the line, Rins became the first LCR Honda rider to win a Grand Prix since Cal Crutchlow in 2018. This win also allowed the LCR Team to secure their 100^th Grand Prix podium.

Luca Marini finished in second, ending the Grand Prix of the Americas as the top Ducati rider. This finish also allowed Marini to secure his first-ever MotoGP podium finish, after joining the class in 2021.

In third position was Fabio Quartararo who had a “tough” Grand Prix as the Yamaha continues to struggle with top speed. This result allowed Quartararo to make his way into seventh place in the standings.

Marco Bezzecchi will keep his Championship lead, after finishing the Grand Prix in sixth position. Bezzecchi managed to also extend his lead by 11 points to Bagnaia after three Grand Prix.

Image credit: motogp.com