Alex Rins told Marc Marquez he ‘couldn’t believe’ how fast one rookie was during pre-season testing

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Alex Rins will be desperate to improve his fortunes with Yamaha in the 2025 MotoGP season.

The Spaniard has spent his entire career in the premier class with Japanese manufacturers. Rins spent six years with Suzuki from 2017-2022, achieving a best finish of third in 2020.

The 29-year-old moved to Honda in 2023 where he endured the lowest finish of his career in 19th. Things did not improve when he moved to Yamaha in 2024.

Rins scored 31 points – the lowest points tally of his career – and finished 18th in the standings. Remaining with Yamaha alongside 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo for 2025, the team are looking to return to the front of the field.

The Japanese manufacturer enjoyed a strong pre-season in Sepang – with Rins’ teammate in particular impressing. Quartararo’s lap on day three in Malasyai was eight-tenths quicker than Yamaha’s best-ever time – a commendable effort.

Along with Honda, as part of the MotoGP concession system, Yamaha’s full-time riders got extra mileage in the Shakedown session before the official test. In this outing, Rins was left stunned by one rookie’s pace.

Alex Rins told Marc Marquez he ‘couldn’t believe’ how fast Ai Ogura was in the Malaysia Shakedown

Marc Marquez showed Ducati why he is a main title contender in pre-season. The six-time MotoGP champion topped the times in both days in Buriram.

But it was not just Marquez who stood out in testing. Rookies Somkiat Chantra, Fermin Aldeguer and Ai Ogura all got their first taste of the premier class – with the Japanese rider catching people’s attention.

Ogura has immediately been on the pace with Aprilia satellite team Trackhouse. The Moto2 champion has impressed rival teams as he looks to stamp his authority in MotoGP.

High-ranking Aprilia staff have been ‘so impressed’ with Ogura’s work ethic heading into the season opener in Thailand. It seems that the 24-year-old is being seen as a threat in 2025.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Ai Ogura from height to career stats

Speaking before the launch event for the 2025 season on MotoGP’s official YouTube channel, Rins was heard discussing Ogura with Marquez. The former ‘couldn’t believe’ how fast the Trackhouse rider was in the Shakedown.

“Listen to me. At the Shakedown, who really surprised me after being slow at the ITRA test, was Ogura”, said Rins.

Marquez replied: “Ogura?” before Rins said: “At the Shakedown. I couldn’t believe it.”

Even the six-time champion was taken aback by Ogura’s speed: “He was fast wasn’t he?” he said, to which Rins replied: “I didn’t know where he was coming from… Everyone’s really fast.”

Fabio Quartararo’s change in demeanour could be a concern for Yamaha

Yamaha are looking to find their competitive edge in MotoGP again after a few years of struggle. Gino Borsoi loves that Yamaha have invested ‘so much money’ for the first time in the premier class.

After his stunning progress in Sepang, Davide Tardozzi sees Quartararo as Ducati’s ‘main opponent’ in 2025. However, Buriram presented a new challenge for Yamaha.

After a seamless test in Malaysia, the Japanese manufacturer encountered issues with the Michelin rubber. Quartararo says his front tyres ‘destroyed’ his running in Buriram.

With the season opener two weeks away, it may not be sorted out straight away. Quartararo now looks ‘exasperated’ at Yamaha – a major concern after initial positivity in Sepang.