At the MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix, Alex Rins is working to improve his performance by adopting tactics from his teammate Fabio Quartararo. Despite trailing at 18th place in the standings with 42 points compared to Quartararo’s 9th position and 102 points, Rins is determined to bridge the divide by reshaping his strategy on the track. His slow start this season, marked by only two ninth-place grid finishes, contrasts sharply with Quartararo’s consistent success, including four pole positions so far.
Motivated by the desire to elevate his results, Rins has openly embraced Quartararo’s style as a blueprint for his own race craft, signaling a potential turning point in his campaign. This adjustment has yielded promising signs, as Rins reported running within a fraction of a second behind his more accomplished teammate during practice sessions.
Insight into Riding Adjustments and Team Collaboration
Rins credited his gradual improvements to close cooperation with his chief mechanic David and teammate Dovizioso, who have been helping him modify his riding techniques. He explained,
“Honestly, I’m quite pleased with the work I’ve done today. It’s been a while since I’ve been this close to Fabio, under a tenth of a second. This is thanks to the extensive work we’ve done together yesterday and today, tweaking my approach and riding style with my chief mechanic David and Dovi. They’ve been instrumental in helping me adapt,”
reflecting a professional mindset focused on progress amid a demanding season.
However, Rins remains sharply aware of Yamaha’s overall struggles, lamenting the poor results across the team.
“I don’t like seeing myself in P17. All the Yamahas are struggling; Fabio is 15th, and I’m 17th, while Oliveira and Jack are also languishing at the back. We are suffering,”
he admitted, underscoring the uphill battle faced not only by him but also his fellow Yamaha riders during this challenging period.
Technical Challenges and the Impact of Tire Degradation
Explaining the nuances behind his performance, Rins pointed to the way he negotiates corners as a critical factor affecting his speed, especially with tires wearing out faster than expected. He outlined his efforts to adapt by delaying his corner entry, following Quartararo’s example, to maintain better control on Austria’s demanding circuit with limited margin for error.
“It’s all about the way of riding. It seems I tend to close my lines a bit more, and I’ve been encountering issues with tire degradation, affecting my cornering speed. We’ve been working on getting closer to Fabio’s riding style. Waiting a little longer before entering the corners is crucial, especially here in Austria, where there’s little room for error. The braking point is what it is, plain and simple. We need to keep pushing.”
The extreme heat during the event has intensified tire wear, presenting additional difficulties for Rins and others on the grid. He explained adjustments made during practice, where the team had to switch to softer tires sooner than planned to manage grip and preserve performance.
“The degradation is extremely high, very high. During the first practice session, I used two sets of tires and began with tires that had already seen 6 or 7 laps. I struggled to enter the corners. We had to adjust our plan and mount the soft tires sooner than anticipated. Fortunately, the temperature is expected to drop tomorrow, which should aid in grip,”
he added, illustrating the challenge of balancing tire management with competitive pace.
Future Prospects and the Battle to Reclaim Form
As the MotoGP season progresses, Alex Rins is intent on shaking off recent setbacks with renewed determination and strategy inspired by his teammate’s success. This approach may signal a shift that enables him to improve his standing and contend more fiercely on Austria’s demanding track. The ongoing rivalry within Yamaha and across the MotoGP field sets the stage for a tense battle, with Rins aiming to reestablish himself among the frontrunners.
With tough competition and unpredictable conditions ahead, the coming races will test whether Rins can convert this strategic overhaul into stronger results and greater consistency. His efforts to mimic Quartararo’s finely tuned approach reveal a commitment to growth that could influence the dynamics of the championship as the season unfolds.
