Sitting second in the MotoGP standings, Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins is feeling confident ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Having secured his second podium of the year last time out at Austin, Texas, Rins celebrated a significant achievement for the Japanese manufacturer.

“Suzuki made history in the last race in Austin getting the 500 podiums,” Rins confirmed on Thursday. “I'm so happy to be part of this, because since 2017 that I joined the team we are working quite hard to achieve big things. Now we are in really good shape, finishing second in Austin but we are doing great weekends so far.

"Let's see how is it going here,” he continued. “Let's check the weather because it looks like Friday and Saturday we will have rain, some wind but it's okay. We are in good shape. We need to keep working like that and let's see where we can arrive.”

With the majority of the grid out of contract at the end of the season, all eyes are on who signs first. While Rins admits there has been no official discussion regarding 2023 and beyond, the Spaniard remains confident on his future with the team he’s been part of for six seasons.

“Well, we didn't start to talk for the next years,” Rins confirmed, “but the good thing and the thing that remains me calm is that already Livio [Suppo] and the Japanese guys say to me that they want to continue. So like this I'm more calm and I can ride in a better way compared if we don't have nothing for the next years.”