Imagine being at the pinnacle of your career, only to have the rug pulled out from under you. That’s exactly what happened to Alex Rins when Suzuki abruptly quit MotoGP in 2022, leaving him and his world champion teammate, Joan Mir, scrambling for rides in a market with limited options. But here’s where it gets controversial: Rins reveals he turned down a Ducati MotoGP ride with Gresini in 2023, opting instead for Honda. Was this a missed opportunity, or a strategic move? Let’s dive in.
In a candid interview with L’Esportiu de Catalunya, Rins shared that he had a concrete offer to join Gresini on a year-old Ducati after Suzuki’s exit. However, he ultimately chose a factory deal with LCR Honda, where he was promised the same conditions as Marc Marquez and Joan Mir. And this is the part most people miss: Rins’ decision wasn’t about money but about the project and factory support. He believed Honda offered a stronger foundation for his career, despite Ducati’s recent championship win with Pecco Bagnaia in 2022.
Rins’ 2023 season with Honda had its highs, including a win at the Americas Grand Prix, but it was marred by injuries and a perceived lack of support from HRC. This led to his move to Yamaha for 2024. Meanwhile, the Gresini seat he passed on went to Alex Marquez, whose success—three Grand Prix wins and a runner-up finish in the standings—helped elevate Gresini to factory Ducati status by 2026. Here’s the bold question: If Rins had chosen Gresini, would he be in a better position today?
But the ripple effects of Rins’ decision go even deeper. Had he joined Gresini, Marc Marquez might never have made the same move in 2024. A key factor in Marc’s decision to leave Honda for Gresini was his younger brother Alex’s success there. Without that precedent, Marc might have stayed at Honda, potentially derailing his comeback to world championship form. Marc himself has admitted that staying at Honda could have ended his career prematurely. What do you think? Did Rins make the right call, or did he miss out on a golden opportunity?
This ‘what-if’ scenario highlights the intricate web of decisions and consequences in MotoGP. Rins’ choice to prioritize factory support over the allure of Ducati’s winning streak is a fascinating study in risk versus reward. As we watch the 2024 season unfold, it’s impossible not to wonder how different things might have been. Share your thoughts in the comments—would Rins have thrived at Gresini, or was Honda the smarter move?
