Alex Rins equals Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi

Alex Rins in history

Alex Rins, after last Sunday’s success in Austin, became the fourth rider to win in the MotoGp era with two different Japanese brands-Suzuki and Honda.

He thus rightfully enters a decidedly exclusive club.

The first person who can say he stood on the top step of the podium in the premier class on different Japanese bikes was Max Biaggi. In 2002 the Roman won his first race on the four-stroke Yamaha in the Czech Republic. The following year he did it on the Honda in Britain.

It was precisely the ‘Corsair’ who then had a front-row seat in 2004 to witness Valentino Rossi’s entry into the prestigious club of those who have been able to win for more than one manufacturer in the Rising Sun. Indeed, the number 46 beat Biaggi in a last-lap duel on the Yamaha, in the first race of the season and after leaving a Honda with which he had already won on repeat.

The third top-class ace to make it was Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing): in 2016 victory with Suzuki in Britain, less than 12 months after his success on the Yamaha, as Rossi’s teammate.

The Spaniard, now an official for the Noale brand, could make another coup in 2023: become the first to win with three different brands. There is only one other rider to be in his position-Jack Miller, now with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. The Australian has won riding Honda and Ducati in the past.