Rins: Race instead of test, tech freeze no problem
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Alex Rins admits it will be physically punishing to get back on a MotoGP bike after such a long layoff.But he’d still rather go straight into a race weekend, once the coronavirus restrictions eventually clear, than spend what little time is available on holding another test.”It’s a long time without riding, since the Qatar test at the end of February,” said Rins, speaking from his home in Andorra during a media videoconference.”For sure when we get back on the bike it will be hard because, for example, the Malaysia test is the first test after the winter holidays and all the riders are destroyed after the first or second day. You get a lot of problems from the physical condition in areas like the neck… it’s normal.”But for me, I would still prefer to go directly into a race [than a test] because it’s less time that we lose.”A compromise being considered is to hold a test at the same circuit as the opening race, in the days leading up to the event, but that would also increase the physical effort for the riders.While the 2020 calendar remains up in the air, one cost-cutting decision already taken is to freeze engine and aerodynamic development until the end of 2021.It’s certainly not a bad situation on paper for Rins and Suzuki, having been one of the strongest during pre-season testing. However, the Spaniard emphasised that most of the manufacturers were closely matched, with the top 18 covered by less than one-second during the final Qatar test.”The tests were very good for Suzuki, with the new parts,” Rins confirmed. “But sincerely it will be no problem [for everyone] to keep the same bike in 2020 and 2021.”Because from what we saw in Qatar – okay, Honda had a few problems, but we know Honda will be at the top – Yamaha was so fast, also [Ducati] and KTM with Pol Espargaro.”So I think it will not be a problem to race with the same bike for two years.””4MotoGP is hoping to run a condensed season of around ten races, most if not all behind closed doors, starting in August or September.
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