Alex Rins arrived at Le Mans fourth in the MotoGP Championship and in need of a new job as Suzuki looks to quit the series.

The Japanese firm confirmed on Thursday morning it was in discussions with Dorna about breaking it’s five year contract just one year in, with the Suzuki Ecstar rider told about the situation along with the rest of the squad during the Jerez test.

“Was a hard day!” Rins admitted from the French paddock. “They told us in Jerez after the test on Monday, and when Livio [Suppo] and Sahara-San told us, we were in shock because nobody was waiting this. All the guys, all the mechanics in the box, was a super emotive moment.

“Let's see what future awaits. Now the thing is that we need to finish the season in the best way possible, doing what we were doing before. Going race by race, giving our 100 per cent in every race and enjoying the Suzuki - because we will not ride anymore the Suzuki, for example here in Le Mans. So let's try to enjoy.”

With Rins equal on points to Gresini’s Enea Bastianini after an impressive start to the 2022 season, the Spaniard is now on the look out for a new job in the intensified rider market. While a situation he was far from anticipating, the 26-year-old remains confident and focused on the race weekend ahead.

“In the moment, no,” he said of any potential options. “In the moment my manager just arrived and he's starting to talk with some teams, but I prefer to stay at the margin. I prefer to stay behind because this year is still important for us. So for sure is there, the pressure to find something, but right now is more important to focus on the season.

“We are doing good races, we are fourth in the championship, equal points as Bastianini, third, so let's try to give our 100 per cent. For sure the bike is working super good - maybe it's the best Suzuki in all these years, so let's do it.”