Alex Rins, a departing Suzuki racer, has formally agreed to a two-year contract with Honda to enter the LCR team in the MotoGP starting in 2023.
When Suzuki revealed after the Spanish Grand Prix that it will stop competing in MotoGP at the completion of the 2022 season, three-time MotoGP world champion Rins was suddenly placed on the rider market for 2023 with driver Joan Mir.
The squads KTM, RNF Racing (with its transition to Aprilia gear), and Gresini Ducati were among those linked to Rins.
Between signing Gresini to race a 2022-spec Ducati and having factory equipment with Honda at LCR, it seemed Rins’ two main alternatives for 2023.
In the end, Rins chose the second choice, and last week, Motorsport.com reported that the agreement had all but been signed.
Honda and LCR have now officially announced Rins’ hiring for 2023 while MotoGP begins its five-week summer vacation.
“I am delighted to announce that Alex Rins will be the LCR Honda CASTROL rider in 2023,” LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello said.
“We’ve just finished signing the contract, all three parties, so we are finally able to announce it.
“Rins is an experienced rider, a fast rider and a podium finisher.
“This wealth of experience, coupled with Rins’ ability to give the precise suggestions to his technicians, as I’ve heard, will surely help us to improve our our bike package, aiming to fight for more podiums.”
With the factory Honda team, which is expected to include Marc Marquez and 2020 reigning champion Mir, Rins will have machine parity.
Rins will replace Alex Marquez at LCR because Marquez has decided to support Gresini along with Fabio Di Giannantonio in the upcoming season.
The younger Marquez sibling chose to contract with Gresini over Ducati and will drive a 2022-spec Ducati there.
Enea Bastianini will be replaced at the team by Marquez after signing a new contract with Ducati. The three-time world champion will either join the factory team or go to Pramac if Jorge Martin receives the factory nod.
Jack Miller just signed a two-year contract to accompany Brad Binder at KTM in 2023, and Ducati has stated that it will await until August to decide who will take his place at the factory team.
For 2023, Johann Zarco will stay with Pramac, while the VR46 Ducati lineup is likely to remain the same.
In other news, Miguel Oliveira has been connected to RNF Racing, and Pol Espargaro is expected to be back to KTM and Tech 3 in 2019.
Below are some of the most well-known MOTOGP riders’ uniforms, all of which are available at reasonable costs. Visit our link now if you are interested in the racing clothing collection:
Alex Rins, Honda, Jack Miller, MOTO, Moto racing, Motocross, MotoGP, MXGP, Suzuki
