Alex Rins (Yamaha) on leaving MotoGP: “I want to finish on a high!”

Rider contracts for 2027 are currently being announced bit by bit in MotoGP. Many fast riders will be switching manufacturers and teams next year. In addition, a number of young talents will be moving up from the Moto2 World Championship. On the other hand, experienced riders are being dropped – they will have to look for a new job outside the premier class.

One of them is Alex Rins. A few days ago, Yamaha officially parted ways with the Spaniard. The veteran, who has been racing in MotoGP since 2017, will not be able to secure a ride with another manufacturer for 2027. “I’ve got no options in this paddock for next year. We’re trying to find something in the World Superbike Championship,” said Rins on Thursday ahead of the MotoGP event at the Sachsenring. “I’m trying to enjoy these final races. I want to finish on a high, with good results in MotoGP. To be honest, the last few years haven’t been very good in terms of results.”

Alex Rins: “We’re just trying to get a good bike!”

In 2027, Alex Rins wants to make a fresh start in the Superbike World Championship. What is important to him when choosing a team? A multi-year contract or the best possible package? “We’re just trying to get a good bike. As I’ve already said, we’ve had major problems over the last three years. We were missing something to be right up there at the front and to fight for podium places.” In the World Superbike Championship, there’s currently only one bike capable of consistently fighting for top positions – the Ducati Panigale V4R. “On paper, yes,” Rins smiled. Does it have to be a factory contract for him? “I don’t know.”

If he secures a place in the Superbike World Championship, he could find himself competing next year against a number of colleagues from the MotoGP paddock who are also aiming to make the switch to the production-based world championship. “At the moment, including myself, there are four riders who won’t have a place in MotoGP next year. They’re heading in the same direction as me and my manager,” said Rins. “As a rider, you don’t want to take a step backwards when you feel competitive. You don’t want to end your career then. If Nicolo Bulega comes here, his place at Ducati will be highly sought after. We’ll see.”

“I need to find something that motivates me again!”

Alex Rins

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Could Rins also envisage competing in a different racing series in 2027? “I don’t know. I want to be happy and find something I can enjoy again,” the 30-year-old clarified. “Whether it’s MotoAmerica, the World Superbike Championship or the Dakar Rally – I need to find something that motivates me again.”

The MotoGP calendar is packed with 22 race weekends – the riders and teams are on the road more or less all year round. How do Rins and his family feel about the idea of spending more time at home in future? “My wife and my family like this world. She supports me in every decision I make, which I really appreciate,” explained the Yamaha rider. “You can imagine that these times aren’t easy. When you’re at home and you get a call from your manager, your mood can change in five seconds. It’s not easy.” Would a test rider’s job not be an option for Rins? “I want to race!”