Shaina interviews… Alex Rins!

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

Hello Alex. How are you?

Alex Rins:

Good thank-you. And you?

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

I'm very good thank-you. My first question for you is: after racing in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP, can you tell me what the main differences are for the rider between each class?

Alex Rins:

Well, there is a big difference between Moto3 and Moto2. First of all for the tyres, which are bigger in Moto2, and also the engine has a little bit more power.

But then the difference between Moto2 and MotoGP was much higher again, especially because in MotoGP we can use a lot of electronics.

MotoGP bikes have a lot of power and we need to control this power, also by adjusting the electronic settings with our hands during the race. Because if we use too much power from the start, at the end of the race the tyre life will be down.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

How important was it for you to reach MotoGP?

Alex Rins:

It was one of my dreams to be in MotoGP, so I'm happy to be here. Especially in a factory team. This is also very important.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

When you came to MotoGP what difficulties did you have?

Alex Rins:

Well, it was a little bit difficult because the first lap of my second day on a MotoGP bike I had a massive crash and broke my back. It was a long recovery time and I missed one test. But anyway, step-by-step I'm happy with how I am learning to control this bike more and that day-by-day my experience is higher.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

How do you motivate yourself when you are in pain?

Alex Rins:

When I get pain because I am hurt in a crash, I just focus on working really hard with my physio to try to be at 100% for the next free practice or the next race. With the MotoGP bike it's more easy to get hurt. In the third race of the season I had a really big crash in America and broke my arm, so I kept my focus on working really hard to try and arrive back as soon as possible.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

How do you feel now, after half a season of racing in MotoGP?

Alex Rins:

I feel really good. In my first race I finished ninth and also again [at Silverstone, then eighth at Misano]. So I have arrived back at a good level and with more experience I'm starting to feel really comfortable in MotoGP now.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

Valentino Rossi missed this [Misano] race because of a training injury. Do you also do motocross or enduro?

Alex Rins:

Well I have big discussions about this with my team because they don't want me to train on enduro, supermotard or flat track. But I think it's necessary. Once per week we need to do it, at least I do. Finally we take many risks during the season and you cannot avoid everything.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

My last question is, if you were not a MotoGP rider what would you be?

Alex Rins:

Really difficult! Maybe something to do with sport. I love training. I love riding my bicycle. But I'm really lucky to do this job. I'm in love with it!

Shaina Salvia A. S.:

Thanks for your time.

Alex Rins:

Thank you.

Alex Rins and Shaina share the same birthday: December 8!