The world of MotoGP was rocked when Suzuki abruptly quit in 2022, leaving riders scrambling for new teams. But here's a twist in the tale: Alex Rins, now with Yamaha, had a Ducati ride within his grasp!
Rins, a six-time MotoGP race winner, was all set to renew with Suzuki when they unexpectedly pulled the plug. This left him and his world champion teammate Joan Mir in a tight spot, searching for a new team in a limited market.
Both riders eventually landed at Honda, with Rins signing a factory deal with LCR and Mir joining the works squad. However, Rins' time at Honda was short-lived due to an injury-plagued season and perceived lack of support from HRC.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Rins reveals he had an offer from Gresini Ducati for the 2023 season. This deal would have put him on a year-old Ducati, a move that wasn't without risk. Ducati had just won the championship with Pecco Bagnaia, but he had to overcome a significant points deficit to Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo. And Ducati's satellite riders were yet to taste victory.
Choosing Gresini could have had a significant impact on Rins' career trajectory. He might have avoided the leg injury he sustained at the Italian Grand Prix in 2023. Moreover, had Rins joined Gresini, Marc Marquez may never have followed suit in 2024, potentially altering his path to becoming a world champion again.
The decision to join Gresini or not was a complex one. Rins opted for LCR Honda, citing their offer of factory rider status and similar conditions to Marc Marquez and Joan Mir. It was a choice that prioritized the project and factory support over the bike's age.
This story raises an interesting question: What if Rins had chosen Gresini? Would it have changed the course of MotoGP history? And this is the part most people miss: it might have influenced Marc Marquez's decision to leave Honda, a move that was heavily influenced by his brother Alex Marquez's experience at Gresini.
What do you think? Was Rins' decision the right one? Could it have changed the fate of MotoGP's top riders? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
