Marco Bezzecchi
Alex Rins has broken his silence following reports of Yamaha completing their 2027 MotoGP line-up, and has gone against the wishes of sporting director Massimo Meregalli to express his fury.
After reports emerged that Jorge Martin would be joining Yamaha in place of the departing Fabio Quartararo for the 2027 MotoGP campaign, it became clear that nobody’s seat on the grid was safe.
The Japanese constructor’s line-up for the premier class’s new era of regulations was then confirmed after reports of Yamaha’s acquisition of Ai Ogura for 2027 landed last week.
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It now means that Yamaha will be fielding two new riders next year, and, in the case of Alex Rins, he is now looking at the prospect of falling completely off the grid if he isn’t able to secure a ride between now and the end of the season.
Alex Rins has ignored Massimo Meregalli’s request to stay tight-lipped about his Yamaha exit
During his media duties ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, Rins outlined his anger with Yamaha after finding out about his exit from the team through the reports about Ogura’s move.
He told journalists in Jerez, via Motorsport.com, “When did I find out? I found out when it was in the press. Eleven days ago, I called Massimo for a normal conversation. I have a really good relationship with him. I asked him straight away, ‘Do you have any updates?’
“He didn’t say anything at first. Then I said, ‘Maio…’ and he told me, ‘I can’t say anything officially, but don’t say anything – we signed the second rider.’ That’s it. I tried to ask who, but he didn’t say.”
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The Spaniard was then asked for his thoughts on potentially being able to secure a seat at the Yamaha-backed Pramac team for 2027, to which he replied, “They didn’t say anything about this. Honestly, I don’t think so.”
The prospect of joining the World Superbikes grid was also touted, but Rins asserted that he wants to pursue a future in the Grand Prix paddock. He added, “I feel that I need to stay here. I still have a lot of potential in this championship.”
Alex Rins says he has now been left in a ‘really difficult position’ by Yamaha
Rins went on to open up about the position that he has been left in following Yamaha’s premature moves in the rider market.
In his comments to Marca, the Spaniard said, “It’s been a blow because it leaves me in a really difficult position. I was very comfortable at LCR, and I opted for Yamaha, thinking I’d have a better chance, but it hasn’t quite turned out that way.
“It’s been a tough year; I struggled to adapt to the inline-four engine and we went for the V4 to get back to the front, but it hasn’t worked out that way. I’m calm; I’m the same Alex who won with Suzuki and with Honda.”
The six-time Grand Prix winner added, “We haven’t had the best start; all four of us are at the bottom of the standings. Until they bring new parts, there won’t be any improvement.
“It’s not just about putting things in place, but putting the bike in the right place, where it belongs. There’s still a long way to go in the championship, and we’re going all out.”
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