Yamaha says Alex Rins “was by no means in a situation to push” in his first MotoGP season on the M1 in 2024 however “we all know what he’s able to”.
Rins moved to his third new producer in as many seasons in 2024 after electing to stop Honda for Yamaha.
Having confirmed profitable on the inline-four Suzuki between 2017 and 2022, in addition to being Honda’s solely race winner in 2023, Rins was anticipated to be robust on the Yamaha this yr.
However quite a few damage woes, together with a damaged wrist on the Dutch TT, conspired in opposition to Rins and meant he scored simply two prime 10 finishes in 2024.
Ending the yr with 31 factors, 82 fewer than team-mate Fabio Quartararo, Rins’ finest consequence got here in Malaysia when he was eighth.
Yamaha boss Massimo Meregalli defended Rins’ poor season, however continues to be satisfied by the Spaniard’s potential, with the Japanese marque backing him with a brand new two-year deal.
“He arrived at a second the place he was, for certain, not 100%,” Meregalli instructed MotoGP’s official web site, referencing the intense leg damage he suffered in 2023.
“Then he had ups and downs, he had one other accident in Assen the place he broke his wrist.
“For me, he by no means been in a situation the place he actually may push at his 100% even when he at all times tried.
“Since two races in the past [at the end of the season], additionally he began getting nearer and for us it’s crucial as a result of, to begin with, we all know what he’s able to.
“However, you recognize, being alone and preventing with all of the others which have extra riders on observe is a giant drawback.
“So, when Alex is in a fine condition we have now at the very least two riders with which we will consider the data.
“And for me, this can be crucial subsequent yr once we may have 4 riders. This may give us some essential advantages.”
