Alex Rins has announced he will step away from motorcycle racing at the end of the year, bringing his grand prix career to a close. The Yamaha MotoGP rider confirmed he will not continue in MotoGP and has declined an offer to switch to World Superbike with the Ducati satellite team GoEleven.
Rins' departure from Yamaha had been expected for months, with the team opting not to renew his contract amid inconsistent results and injuries. The 30-year-old was linked to a WorldSBK move with GoEleven, a race-winning outfit with Andrea Iannone and Michael Ruben Rinaldi. However, Rins never seemed fully convinced by the idea and has now turned it down.
"I had two possibilities there," Rins said, hinting at another suitor besides GoEleven. "I really say thanks to them because they were quite interested in me." Ultimately, Rins found "something that motivates me more" – and while he's not ready to announce it yet, his phrasing and subsequent conversation with Spanish media suggest his immediate future lies in some form of car racing.
"As I told you some races ago, I have a really good, really interesting project on my mind – that I can't reveal because it's not, like, done 100%," he explained. "So, yeah, I'm really-really happy for sure. It was difficult to choose because all my life in MotoGP, in this championship, many-many fights, many races, many wins... 14 years, I think, more or less. So, yeah, I will stop with the two wheels."
Rins retires with six MotoGP wins – five with Suzuki and one with LCR Honda. He had a real championship shot in 2020 and looked to be establishing himself as a truly elite MotoGP rider when a bad leg injury in 2023 and an ill-fated subsequent move to Yamaha snuffed out his career momentum. Since joining Yamaha, Rins has shown flashes of speed but struggled to consistently fight at the front.
Rins' early retirement from motorcycle racing marks the end of an era in MotoGP. Known for his speed and determination, especially during his Suzuki days, he now looks forward to a new challenge in car racing, which he is expected to pursue starting next year. While nothing is official yet, fans can look forward to seeing Rins on four wheels.
Read Also
Pecco Bagnaia is frustrated with the Ducati GP26 and believes he needs 'old things' to be competitive again. Read his full comments ahead of the San Marino GP.
Loris Reggiani admits he's not happy if Marc Marquez wins MotoGP 2026 again. He hopes Bezzecchi bounces back and highlights Marquez's mental edge.
Ai Ogura ruled out of MotoGP Misano as thumb injury not healed. Comeback postponed, target return in Austria. Ogura drops to fifth in championship.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!