Alex Rins has expressed shock over Yamaha’s reported decision to drop him from its factory MotoGP lineup for 2027, with the call coming at a very early stage of the 2026 season.
The move is part of Yamaha’s broader effort to secure its future ahead of the upcoming 850cc regulation changes. Reports suggest the Japanese manufacturer is set to pair Jorge Martin with rising talent Ai Ogura, forming a new-look factory team. The reshuffle leaves Rins without a confirmed seat for 2027.
Rins questioned the reasoning behind the decision, pointing to the limited time he has had to adapt to Yamaha’s evolving project. The Spaniard joined the team in 2024 and is currently working with a heavily revised bike that includes a new V4 engine concept. He argued that judging a rider’s future after only a few races, while the machine is still under development, is difficult to justify.
His time with Yamaha has been challenging so far. Injuries and the bike’s lack of competitiveness have limited his results, with Rins scoring just three points in the opening rounds of 2026. Teammate Fabio Quartararo has also struggled, although he has managed slightly better returns, underlining the difficulties both riders face with the current package.
Rins also revealed that he initially learned about his situation through media reports before receiving informal confirmation from team director Massimo Meregalli. The brief exchange highlighted how quickly decisions are being made as teams position themselves for the next era of MotoGP.
Despite the uncertainty, Rins remains focused on performance. The six-time premier class race winner said his priority is to continue pushing on track and prove his value. He dismissed speculation about moving to satellite teams or switching championships, insisting he still has more to offer in MotoGP.
With several seats already being discussed for 2027, the coming months are likely to be decisive for Rins as he looks to secure his place on the grid.
