Big transfer in MotoGP: Alex Rins leaves Suzuki for a non-factory team! What will happen to the 2020 champion?

It’s a logical move on Alex Rins’ part. After the Suzuki Ecstar team announced their departure from the MotoGP world, it was unclear where both riders would head. The situation is still uncertain regarding Joan Mir, and therefore the 2020 champion, but Rins already has a new commitment. What did he say about his transfer?

“We’re almost done, everyone can imagine where I’ll be heading for next year now that Alex Márquez is leaving LCR to join Gresini.” Rins made this comment in a recent interview with Crash.net, fueling speculation that he won’t be looking for a MotoGP seat for long after Suzuki’s shocking announcement.

And now LCR Honda has officially confirmed everything, Rins will join the non-factory brand from the 2023 season. It should be noted, Rins has signed a two-year deal with Honda.

Meanwhile, several teams have expressed interest in the 26-year-old Spanish rider, including Red Bull KTM and RNF due to Aprilia’s switch to the factory brand. According to Motorsport, Rins was choosing between two non-factory teams – Gresini Racing and LCR.

Comments from Cecchinella and Rins

“I’m delighted to announce that Alex Rins will be a rider for LCR Honda CASTROL in 2023,” team boss Lucio Cecchinello told MotoGP.

“Rins is an experienced and fast rider. His wealth of experience will help us to make accurate suggestions to our engineers as we make technical improvements to our bikes in order to fight for more podium finishes,” he added.

“I am very happy to join the LCR Honda team. Changing teams and bikes is a challenge, but I am ready to give 100% and put into practice everything I have learned so far in MotoGP. The trust of Lucio and Honda was crucial in my choice of team and I want to thank them for this opportunity,” explains Rins.

What will happen to Mire?

Mir, the 2020 World Champion, will also be without a contract after the end of this season. According to the latest information, his only option is to sign with Repsol Honda, where he would replace Pol Espargar.

However, there is nothing even remotely certain about this potential transfer, and although it would be a major controversy, it could be that the 2020 champion will be left without a race seat for the 2023 season.

But if he signs with a factory Honda, he would become a teammate of the legendary Marc Márquez. So it would be interesting to see not only their battle against each other, but also Repsol Honda’s tenure in MotoGP. With such a rider line-up, the Japanese team would surely try to attack the title again.

Sources: MotoGP, Motorsport, LCR Honda