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The factory Suzuki rider’s rookie MotoGP campaign may not have grabbed the headlines like his fellow first year rivals Johann Zarco or Jonas Folger but back and wrist injuries picked up during winter testing and the opening races somewhat stalled the Spaniard’s start in the premier class.

Having been given enough time to completely recover, while Suzuki slowly but surely got on top of its engine issues, Rins grew into the year and impressed with his best result at the season finale with fourth place in Valencia.

Rins is putting pressure on experienced team-mate Andrea Iannone, who had been brought in to lead the Suzuki charge alongside his rookie team-mate, but if Rins can maintain his momentum at the start of 2018 and remain injury-free the Spaniard is fancied to impress this year.