Alex Rins confirmed both his and Suzuki’s potential with a quietly impressive showing at the first Mot𝄹oGP test of 2018.

The former Moto2 and Moto3 runner-up was a fine sixth overall𒈔, with his personal best time of 1m 59.348s more than half a second quicker than his qualifying effort at the same track last Octobeꩲr.

That Rins posted the time while using Suzuki's new𒀰 engine and chassis suggests the factory is on the right course; the 22-year old also evaluated a new electronics settings across the three days, as well ꦯas new Ohlins forks.

Coupled with solid showings on day one and two at Sepang, Rins proved that he could well be a constant in the top six fight through 2018, his🐽 performance suggesting Suzuki has made solid, intelligent gains over the winter.

“Today was also a really great day,” said Rins on Tuesday evening. “I think we finished these three days﷽ of testing with really good impressions. We tried a lot of things. We tried a new engine, new forks, a bit of electronics changes. Also everything worked really good.

“What I feel with the new engine is that it is more💧 powerful at the bot🅘tom. There is more acceleration.

“For sure there is more confidence that last year because with more experience and three days of testing, it’s really good. We can adjust very well the bike. I think I don꧋’t have pressure. I need to go step-by-step and enjoy the bike.”

As well as the speed, Rins showed impressive pace; a mini-race 🌸simulation around mid-day confirmed the 𝕴Spaniard could comfortably run low-mid 2m 0s laps with track temperatures soaring. 

“We tried a race simulation and it went well, good rꦡace pace,൲” he said, “and this is important not only for confidence but for giving good feedback to Japan about their work. We tried new forks and they were also good and we worked in the electronics area as well.”