MotoGP Qatar: Suzuki speed brings extra confidence for Rins, ‘now we can breathe’

Alex Rins topped Friday’s MotoGP standings as Suzuki shone in the Lusail International Circuit’s speed traps during free practice.

With Ecstar teammate Joan Mir completing the first day of 2022 third overall, Rins’ 1’53.432 lap took pride of place at the top of the times.

“Sincerely today was a good day,” Rins explained from Qatar. “We worked quite hard during the preseason and the bike here is working quite well. Better than we expect for sure compared to last year!

“We have a different engine, different new things also the ride-height device that last year we didn’t have here. Today was quite good with used tyres, we ride quite fast also with a new tyre so let’s try to continue like this.”

The strong showing had been clear from the outset as the Spaniard opened FP1 with the third fastest lap and the pair’s speed made the paddock take notice, fast. Ducati’s Jack Miller even commenting that the Hamamatsu factory had been keeping their cards close to their chest during preseason testing.

“The biggest surprise to me today was Suzuki playing possum all winter and coming out with 355km an hour today,” the Australian admitted. “So clearly they found some ponies there in Japan!”

“We have extra confidence,” Rins continued, reflecting on the impressive top speed shown across the opening day. “Suzuki work quite well but we need to keep working. They do a good job on the engine side but if they relax a little bit, we are fucked!

“Today overall was quite good. I try to follow someone on the straight and had good feeling. I was holding the slipstream so at least we can breathe on the straight. Before we were holding the breath, looking on the side but now, let’s see on the race but I hope to improve on this side.”