Alex Rins entered the first test day of the 2026 MotoGP season at the Buriram circuit hoping to see promising progress, but he instead found himself at the bottom of the timing sheets alongside teammate Fabio Quartararo. This outcome highlights that Yamaha’s recent technological overhaul is still far from delivering the desired performance improvements.
Taking Risks with New Aerodynamics Amid Limited Resources
Rins explained that both he and Quartararo chose to test new aerodynamic components under risky conditions due to a shortage of spare parts.
“Fabio and I took a bit of a risk by fitting the new aerodynamics, since there weren’t many spare parts. In fact, the manufacturer told us that we were free to try it at our own risk because, in the event of an accident, we wouldn’t have it for the race,”
the Spanish rider said, detailing their cautious approach on track.
Signs of Improvement in Speed but Not Yet Consistent
While Rins acknowledged some positive effects from the new aero setup, the gains seemed limited. Comparing data from previous tests at Sepang, he noted,
“Personally, I noticed a difference. At Sepang, I compared it with the old one, and, apart from the extra three or four km/h on the straights, I noticed some progress in corners. I didn’t repeat the comparison here, but it seems faster to me.”
Bike Performance Still Lags Behind Rider Readiness
Despite feeling physically prepared for the upcoming races, Rins emphasized that the motorcycle itself remains underdeveloped.
“At the moment, as a rider, I feel ready, but the bike isn’t. The manufacturer must continue to work because there are several things to improve, as is normal when tackling a new project. Clearly, when you push and the results don’t come, it’s frustrating, but we have to accept that the bike needs to be improved,”
he stated).
Managing Frustrations Amidst Unmet Expectations
Confronted with the gap between effort and results, Rins admitted his frustration and emotional response to the situation.
“I scream. That’s all. I take it to my office. In the time attack, I reached one hundred and ninety-one heartbeats for a nineteenth place finish. To date, there’s nothing more we can do. Like I said, the riders are ready, and the bike isn’t. We just have to understand and wait,”
he revealed.
Maintaining Positivity Despite Difficult Beginnings
Looking ahead, Rins stressed the importance of optimism as the team navigates this challenging development phase.
“We have to stay positive. The project is new, and confidence is a must. It’s very hard to start like this, but we have to keep thinking positively, otherwise it becomes impossible to do twenty-two races like this. We know we have to work, but we mustn’t throw in the towel. On the contrary, we have to find a way out of this,”
he urged.
Comparative Weaknesses Against Leading Rivals
Rins noted that his falloff in performance relative to competitors like Marc Márquez is largely due to engine output and traction deficits.
“In terms of engine and power, as well as traction. Not only Ducati, but also Aprilia and Honda are better than us, so they can make up more ground in acceleration and on the straights,”
he highlighted, pinpointing critical areas for development.
Persistent Handling Challenges Mirror Previous Season
Despite some improvement in braking, the rider acknowledged ongoing struggles with bike agility and responsiveness remain unresolved issues similar to 2025.
“Yes. Let’s say that I feel more comfortable when braking, but we’re still not there when it comes to changing direction,”
Rins said.
Engine Issues Identified and Resolved From Prior Tests
Regarding technical setbacks encountered at Sepang, Rins confirmed the faulty component has been addressed.
“Yes, the problem was identified and they solved it,”
he confirmed, suggesting progress in reliability even if overall performance gaps persist.
Implications for Yamaha and Alex Rins Moving Forward
The struggles revealed by Rins during early 2026 testing underscore a tense and uncertain path ahead for Yamaha as it tries to revive its competitiveness against dominant rivals such as Ducati and Honda. For Alex Rins, navigating these technical challenges while maintaining motivation will be crucial across the demanding race calendar. Continued development efforts and strategic improvements will determine whether the team can close the performance gap and turn its renovation into tangible results this season.
