Alex Rins described the French MotoGP as “unbelievable” after navigating a storm of tyre gambles, bike swaps, and tough calls at a weather-hit Le Mans, ultimately finishing 12th in a race filled with drama.
The Monster Yamaha rider joined home hero Johann Zarco in opting for wet tyres on the grid following a review of the weather radar, which seemed to guarantee incoming rain. However, changing conditions led to most of the grid switching to slicks again before the restart. Rins, initially confident in his wet tyre choice, quickly found himself struggling with Yamaha’s lack of grip.
“This was a race to put in the books,” Rins said. “For sure, I need to write all these things in a book when I’m retired! Because it was unbelievable – the stress, the decisions, everything!”
After starting on wets and facing poor grip, Rins switched to slicks mid-race – only to be caught out again when the rain returned, forcing another bike change. This meant he pitted twice, unlike most rivals who needed just one stop.
“I tried to stay calm and manage the situation. It was very delicate out there,” Rins explained.
Despite rejoining in 19th, he battled through to 12th, even recovering 16 seconds on Luca Marini and nearly catching him before the finish.
Yamaha’s grip issues were exposed once again. “We have problems in the dry, and when it’s wet, those problems only get worse. There is zero grip. The electronics can’t manage it.”
Rins was the only Yamaha rider to finish, as team-mate Fabio Quartararo and Pramac riders Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira all crashed out at the same final corner.
