Just days after the San Marino GP, which saw mixed fortunes for Team SUZUKI ECSTAR, the riders and team are preparing to return to action at the Aragon GP - a circuit which both Rins and Mir enjoy.

Alex Rins is especially keen to get back on track after his Misano race ended prematurely when he crashed out of Top 6 contention. Uninjured and ready to recoup the championship points he lost, Rins has added motivation at the Spanish circuit as he was born close by and can consider it a second home GP after Catalunya.

Making his return from injury, Joan Mir put in a solid performance in San Marino with an 8th place finish. The young rookie admits that Aragon is one of his favourite tracks, and now that he is back to 100% fitness he is hoping to continue his upward curve of improved results.

Motorland Aragon is still considered by many to be a ‘new’ facility, despite being on the MotoGP calendar since 2010. The circuit is situated in the Teruel region and has a long motorsport history thanks to the town of Alcañiz hosting lowkey races for 40 years between 1963 and 2003. Motorland Aragon itself also has many different racing facilities including a motocross circuit, a kart track, and a sports, leisure and culture area.

Davide Brivio – Team Manager:

“Last year we did well in Aragon, but you never really know because things can change from year to year. However, I think we can do well at this track. It’s a sort of home circuit for Alex and he is feeling very motivated, especially as he wants to put Misano behind him. Joan is pleased that this race follows directly after San Marino because he is really enjoying being back on the bike and improving his fitness and results.”


Alex Rins:

“Motorland is a great place, and last year I was able to do a good race - fighting with the front group and finishing 4th. I’m glad that we’ve come here directly from Misano because I’m keen to get back on track and get a good finish. There’s always a good atmosphere with all the Spanish fans and I’m looking forward to feeling their support.”

Joan Mir:

“I really like Aragon; I always enjoy riding here and I hope to be even stronger than in Misano. It’s a special place for me because I’ve won a couple of times here in the past and I always seem to have a good feeling. I think it could also be quite suited to our bike. I’m looking forward to it, I’m ready to work hard and try to put in a good performance in front of my home fans.”


TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF ARAGON

Frankie Carchedi - Joan Mir's Crew Chief:

“Aragon has everything from hard braking to fast and flowing corners, there are also a lot of undulations. Because of these ups and down, bike stability is important, especially in the last corner where you come out over the brow of the hill. The fact that the track is quite flowing, especially in sector 1, should suit our bike; one of our strong points is corner speed. When the track was new it was pretty abrasive, but it has become less so in recent years, so it’s a little easier on tyre wear now. Hopefully Spain will bring good weather, but you never really know at this time of year! The wind can be an issue for stability.”