SPAIN: Six-time MotoGP race winner Alex Rins is set to sit out the upcoming Catalan Grand Prix as his recovery from a serious leg injury sustained during the Italian GP sprint race continues.
The unfortunate crash occurred back in June, resulting in a badly broken right leg and subsequent surgery for the LCR Honda CASTROL rider. Despite initial hopes of a swift recovery, Rins’ progress has been slower than anticipated, with nerve healing in his foot becoming a key concern.
Since the accident, Rins has been absent from the racing circuit, missing out on the last five rounds. With the Catalan GP at Barcelona on the horizon, the LCR Honda team has decided to keep Rins on the sidelines for further recovery.
His position will once again be taken by fellow compatriot Iker Lecuona, who has been Rins’ stand-in since the Dutch GP.
The LCR team delivered a brief statement confirming the substitution: “LCR Honda CASTROL rider Alex Rins is making solid progress to be on track soon. However, he’ll miss the Catalan Grand Prix and will be replaced by compatriot Iker Lecuona.”
Rins’ absence has prevented the 2023 MotoGP grid from being complete on the track since the Portuguese GP’s FP2 session. Honda’s challenging year has been marked by Rins’ victory in the Americas GP in April, which remains their sole triumph.
Adding to the disruption, Rins made a mid-season announcement during the summer break, revealing his departure from Honda to join Yamaha at the end of the year.
As Rins’ recovery timeline remains uncertain, attention turns to the Misano test day following the San Marino GP, offering a suitable opportunity to assess his progress. In the meantime, LCR Honda will see Johann Zarco take Rins’ place for the 2024 season, while Lecuona’s future is speculated to continue with Honda in WSBK.
Despite ongoing injury challenges, Rins expressed his commitment to fulfilling his 2023 season duties with Honda during a recent media appearance at the Austrian GP, demonstrating his dedication to the sport and his team.
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