Rins claims first MotoGP podium of the season at Silverstone

Alex Rins has returned to a MotoGP podium for the first time in 12 races after coming from P10 to take second. 

Rins made early progress before a lengthy battle with team-mate Joan Mir and the Ducati’s of Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia. 

But once the Spaniard got through and into fourth, a podium charge began as he reeled in both Espargaro brothers. 

Rins soon passed Pol Espargaro for third, before Aleix made a mistake in turn five which allowed the Suzuki rider through. 

Rins was unable to do anything about race winner Fabio Quartararo’s three plus second advantage, however, the second place finish is a podium that’s been a long time coming based on his speed at times this season.  

"Yeah I’m super happy for this second position. I was checking the world standings and sincerely the first part of the championship we got a lot of zero’s, a lot of crashes," added Rins. 

"But yeah, finally I was saying ‘we have the level, we have the pace’ and now we finish again on the top. 

"I’m super happy because starting from P10 is not easy, I was trying to overtake as soon as possible, you know. All the team deserves this position and also myself I think. 

"So let’s try to keep this performance because I think we can get it (win)." 

Rins’ podium could be the catalyst to a much better final few races as Aragon is up next - a circuit where he secured a win and P2 in 2020. 

Rins said: "I think we can (continue the momentum) but it’s not easy because our competitors, our rivals are really strong.

"It’s true that the last two years we did a very great race here, also last year we did a very good result in Aragon; first and second in the two races but this year everything changes. 

"There are the Yamaha, Ducati, Aprilia and Honda that are quite strong. So let’s see if we can continue in this shape."