Rins takes first MotoGP podium, Suzuki’s first since 2016

Alex Rins became the first Suzuki rider since Maverick Vinales at the 2016 Australian GP to deliver the team a podium in MotoGP, after a scintillating battle with Cal Crutchlow, Johann Zarco and Jack Miller for the lead of the Argentine Grand Prix. It also gives Rins his first premier class podium and his first podium in all classes since Misano in 2016.

“I’m very satisfied with this race, because it wasn’t easy and before the start I was nervous due to the delay and everything. But finally, when we started, I was feeling really good from the beginning. When I was behind Miller I was thinking ‘OK, maybe I need to overtake him and go’, because my feeling was perfect,” started the Spaniard.

When I was leading I made a small mistake – the track was very difficult with the damp patches, especially off the racing line. Myself, my team, and everyone in Japan has worked really hard to have a competitive bike, and we’ve done it! Texas is one of my favourite tracks, despite the fact that last year I had a fast crash and broke my arm. This year we arrive with strong mentality, more experience, and a great bike.”

Rins took his first ever GP win at the COTA circuit, back in 2013, whereas he also achieved his first Moto2 podium at the track in 2015. Rins’ first Moto2 win came in the USA – Indianapolis – so expect to see him right up the sharp end. Suzuki’s best result at the track was in 2016, when Vinales and Aleix Espargaro finished 4th and 5th.