YAMAHA SAYS RINS RETIRED AT MISANO DUE TO ILLNESS, EMPHASISING SAFETY

Alex Rins’ Misano MotoGP race ended early after he reported feeling unwell, with the Monster Yamaha rider retiring during Sunday’s running. According to Yamaha, the decision was taken for health and safety reasons after Rins suffered “a migraine and severe nausea.”

Rins had started the race from 20th on the grid, but after being passed by Pramac’s Toprak Razgatlioglu on lap two, he dropped to the back of the field. He spent much of the middle stages close behind Franco Morbidelli, staying on the tail of the VR46 rider for ten laps after Morbidelli had completed his Long Lap Penalty.

Despite remaining in the race for a time, Rins ultimately pulled into the pits on lap 17 of 27. Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli explained that the team had no choice once Rins’ condition deteriorated. “Unfortunately, Alex's race ended early because of him not feeling well,” Meregalli said. He added: “Of course, it's disappointing for him not to be able to finish the race because of this, but safety always has to come first, especially in this sport.” With the Misano weekend complete, Meregalli confirmed the team’s focus would shift immediately to the next round, stating, “We now head straight to Austria for next week's GP at the Spielberg track.”

Rins was not the only rider to withdraw for physical reasons. HRC’s Joan Mir also pitted out early, doing so on lap 6. Mir described the problem in blunt terms after the race: “Sadly today was the same as yesterday and I had no energy or power on the bike. I tried to ride by myself but there was nothing to be achieved and I thought staying out on track would only make the situation worse.” He said the priority now is recovery, adding: “It’s a really difficult moment to be in. Now we head for some checks before Austria and see what we can do to get my physical condition back to normal ASAP.”

There were also non-medical retirements in the Yamaha camp. Jack Miller retired in the pits due to a technical issue, which meant that Fabio Quartararo and Razgatlioglu were the only Yamaha riders to take the chequered flag, finishing tenth and 12th respectively.