Yamaha says Alex Rins “was never in a condition to push” in his first MotoGP season on the M1 in 2024 but “🎶we know what he is capable of”.

Ri🐻ns moved to his third new manufacturer in as many seasons in 2024 after electing to quit Honda for Yamaha.

Having proven successful on the inline-four Suzuki between 2017 and 2022, as well as being Honda’s only race winner in 2023, Rins was expected to🐎 be st⛦rong on the Yamaha this year.

But numerous injury woes, including a broken wrist at the Dutch TT, conspired against Rins and meant he scored just two top 10 finishes in 20▨24.

Finishing the year with 31 poi🥃nts, 82 fewer than team-mate Fabio Quartararo, Rins’ best result came in Malaysia when he was eighth.

Yamaha boss Massimo Meregalli defended Rins’൲ poor season, but is still convinced by the Spaniard’s potential, with the Japanese marque backing him with a new two-⛄year deal.

“He arrived at a moment where he was, for sure, not 100♎%,” Meregalli told MotoGP’s official website, referencing the serious leg injury he suffered in 2023.

“Then he had ups and downs, he had another accident in Assen w☂here he broke his wrist.

“For me, he never been in a condition wherꦕe he really could push at his 100% even if he always tried.

“Since two races ago [at the end of the season], also he started getting closer and foꦗr us it’s very important because, first of all, we know what he is capable of.

“But, you know, being alone and fi♏ghting with all the others that have mor🧜e riders on track is a big disadvantage.

“✨So, when Alex is in a good shape we have at least two riders with which we can evaluate the🐻 information.

“And for me, this will be very important next year when we will have four riders. This 💯will give us some impor൩tant benefits.”