Alex Rins Accepts MotoGP Exit as WorldSBK Becomes Target

Alex Rins has admitted he has nothing in the MotoGP paddock for next season after losing his Yamaha seat, with WorldSBK now his main target.

Rins officially lost his Monster Yamaha ride after the Japanese manufacturer confirmed Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura as its all-new factory line-up for 2027. That situation has left the six-time MotoGP race winner appearing to accept that his premier-class career will end at the conclusion of this season.

“Honestly no, I don’t have anything in this paddock for next year,” Rins said at the Sachsenring on Thursday.

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“We are trying to find something in Superbike. So let's try to enjoy these last races, because I would like to finish in a good way my career here in the MotoGP paddock.”

Rins acknowledged that the last few seasons have been difficult in terms of results. After taking five MotoGP wins with Suzuki and adding a sixth with LCR Honda in 2023, he has been unable to consistently return to podium contention, particularly during Yamaha's current struggles.

“Honestly, these last years in terms of results have not gone super well,” Rins said.

“As I said, we are struggling a lot these three years, and I'm missing a little bit to finish on the podium, to fight for the top positions.”

For that reason, Rins said his priority if he moves to WorldSBK is to find a competitive bike. One potential target is a factory Ducati seat if Nicolo Bulega moves to MotoGP with VR46, although Rins is aware the competition for that place would be intense.

“Apparently there are around four [other] riders not having a seat next year here in MotoGP,” Rins said.

“For sure they are moving in the same way as me with my manager. So this Ducati place, if Bulega came here, will be really in demand. But yeah, let's see.”

Rins also did not rule out a more radical direction outside WorldSBK, provided the project can help him rediscover motivation to race. He mentioned MotoAmerica, Superbikes and rallying with cars as options that could be considered.

“I can consider many things, but at the same time, I need to find something that I can enjoy again,” Rins said.

“If it's MotoAmerica, if it's Superbikes, if it's rally with cars, I don't know, I need to find something that motivates me again.”

One option Rins has already ruled out is becoming a test rider, as he made clear that he still wants to compete. During what he described as a difficult period, he also said the support of his wife and family has been important while his future remains uncertain.

“I want to race,” Rins said.

“I really appreciate that because, as you can imagine, these times are a little bit hard. When you are at home, and you receive a call from your manager or from someone, or read the news, your mood can change in five seconds. So it's not that easy.”

Rins arrives at the Sachsenring 19th in the MotoGP standings after scoring his first top-10 finish of the season on Yamaha's struggling V4 at Assen. With Fabio Quartararo also set to leave Yamaha for Honda, the rest of 2026 becomes an important closing phase before Rins decides his next chapter outside MotoGP.