Alex Rins put on a strong performance in the ItalianGP’s opening day, placing his Suzuki second in Mugello’s free practice times thanks to a 1’46.218 lap.

Running consistent pace towards the head of the times across the two practice sessions, Rins started proceedings third in FP1 before shaving a further seven-tenths off his overall best to sit second as the day concluded. 

“Today was a good day, a productive day in the office!” Rins admitted confidently this afternoon.

“From FP1 I was trying to get in the flow to ride here in Mugello and it came quite easy, quite soon. In FP2 I was trying the medium with a lot of laps to see more or less the pace, and we were strong on that tyre. Then, with the soft tyre we were able to do one lap, one fast lap - it was good lap, but not enough for tomorrow. Let's try to continue working, but the secret item looks like it's working well.”

That ‘secret’ item was in fact an upgrade to the electronics package with the Spaniard then elaborating further. 

“We improved a bit the electronic side and it’s working well. Compared to two years before we have a better package in general. [It is working] everywhere but also regarding the wheelie. On the wheelie-side, going into the last corner, I'm quite happy because the last two years we were losing a lot there.

“We know that we have a good pace, but still we need to find a better setup. We will try something tomorrow to ride more easy on the bike. 

“For sure, the race will be interesting because the Ducatis will be there, Yamaha also, with Morbidelli, Maverick, Fabio, and Joan will be there. It's important that we have a good pace, but we need to focus first of all on the qualifying tomorrow."