News 13 Jun 2017

Suzuki welcomes Rins back during Barcelona testing

Highly-rated rookie back on-board the GSX-RR in Spain.

Source: Supplied.

Spanish rookie Alex Rins made his return to Team Suzuki Ecstar during Monday’s post-race MotoGP testing at Catalunya, joining teammate Andrea Iannone and fill-in Sylvain Guintoli.

Rins has missed the past four races after a troublesome start to his premier class career, but managed to post a 1m46.490s – quicker than Guintoli- in 62 laps completed upon return.

“I’m very happy with how the test day went and to be back on my GSX-RR,” Rins said. “The truth is that we didn’t try many new things since my first priority was to get back the feel of riding a MotoGP machine after injury. My foot didn’t hurt or give me any troubles, so I’m very positive.

“This will also give me the chance to introduce some new items tomorrow and to contribute to the development of the bike. I’m not at 100 percent, but I feel fit and don’t feel as though I will have further problems because of this injury. Tomorrow will be important, both because we will work with new items and new setups, but also because it will be the final check before my comeback at Assen.”

Rins will continue testing with Suzuki on Tuesday as the factory has opted to stay back for more milage prior to his official return to racing at Assen on 25 June.

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