MotoGP | Alex Rins Makes History with Honda Victory at Grand Prix of the Americas

The MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas held on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas was a race filled with drama, excitement, and unexpected turns. In the midst of it all, Alex Rins, riding for LCR Honda Castrol, etched his name in the history books as he secured a sensational victory, becoming the first rider to win a race on a Honda in 2023, and only in his third Grand Prix for the Japanese manufacturer.

The race started with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking the hole shot and Rins hot on his heels. However, the first lap was marred by multiple crashes, including those of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing), setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable race.

As the race progressed, Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made an impressive comeback from 10th on the grid, moving up to third, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in close pursuit. But it was Bagnaia who was dominating the race, pushing hard to create a gap between himself and the chasing pack.

Rins, however, refused to let Bagnaia get away and stayed close to the back of the factory Ducati. He applied relentless pressure, and it paid off as Bagnaia made a crucial mistake, resulting in a crash and Rins seizing the race lead.

From there, Rins rode flawlessly, showing skill and determination as he controlled the race from the front. He navigated the challenging circuit with precision, fending off any challenges from his rivals, and crossed the finish line in first place, securing his first victory for Honda and the first win of 2023 for the Japanese manufacturer. It was a historic moment for Rins, who celebrated his well-deserved victory with pure joy and emotion.

But Rins was not the only one who had reason to celebrate. Quartararo, who had been locked in a close battle for the podium, capitalized on Miller’s crash and moved into third position. The Yamaha rider showcased his exceptional overtaking skills and defensive prowess as he held on to secure a valuable third place finish, earning his first podium of 2023.

Another standout performer of the race was Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who displayed remarkable composure and skill as he fended off Quartararo’s relentless attacks to claim second place. It was a momentous achievement for Marini, marking his first podium in MotoGP and showcasing his talent as a newcomer to the premier class of motorcycle racing.

Apart from the top three, the race also witnessed an intense battle for the best of the rest. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team), and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) fought tooth and nail for fourth place. Viñales, who had a poor start, showed immense determination as he made a remarkable recovery and ultimately finished in fourth position after several breathtaking overtakes.

Overall, the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas was a race that will be remembered for its thrilling moments, unexpected twists, and historic victory. Rins’ win with Honda, Quartararo’s podium finish, and Marini’s breakthrough performance were the highlights of the day, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the MotoGP riders.

See the Championship standings after the race in Texas:

MotoGP returns on April 29th, with the Spanish GP, at the Jerez – Ángel Nieto circuit.