Time is running out on Alex Rins' stint with the LCR Honda Castrol team in MotoGP™ as the Spaniard remains sidelined with injury. According to LCR Honda Team Principal, Lucio Cecchinello, Rins' return is very much on the cards sooner rather than later. During FP1 at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the Italian gave the latest update on the #42, who suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in his right leg after a crash during the Tissot Sprint at the Italian Grand Prix: "We expect him trying to come back in Misano, today he’s having a private test in Aragon with a CBR Fireblade. We are waiting for feedback."

The Spaniard kicked off the musical chairs in the 2024 rider market by signing for Yamaha, where he will race alongside Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP ™). Rins' spot will be filled by Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) who will be joining forces with Cecchinello: "We are very pleased to have signed Johann for 2024 and 2025, he was the best option we could have. He is a very experienced rider."

The Italian was delighted to have attracted the two-time Moto2™ World Champion to his ranks, but does not hide his confusion regarding the the Frenchman's past role at Ducati. "He did a great development work in Ducati, but I don’t know why they decided to use him as a sort of ‘test rider’. He’s quite unique to ride Yamaha, KTM, Honda and Ducati."

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