MotoGP Bharat GP: LCR Honda Rider Alex Rins to Miss India Grand Prix, Stefan Bradl Steps-in Again

Stefan Bradl is set to make a comeback to the MotoGP circuit, where he will serve as a substitute for Alex Rins in the MotoGP races in India and Japan. While Rins is recovering from his fractured leg, the official Honda test rider from Germany will assist the LCR Honda team in the next two races. Rins sustained a compound fracture of both the tibia and fibula in his right leg during a collision at the Italian MotoGP event held at the Mugello circuit in June. Consequently, he underwent two operations and has been out ever since. Bradl, a former racer for LCR Honda, has been standing in for injured Honda riders. He took over for Marc Marquez in the Netherlands, Pol Espargaro in the Czech Republic in 2020, and Joan Mir in the United States. Additionally, he made an unscheduled participation in the Austrian MotoGP event.

LCR Honda currently holds 85 points, securing ninth place among all teams. With 47 points, Rins is now ranked 15th in the championship's riders. Bradl has accumulated a total of five points thus far.

The next Grand Prix of India is scheduled to occur at the Buddh International Circuit from September 22nd to September 24th.

Also Read: MotoGP: Takaaki Nakagami Confirmed for LCR Honda Seat in 2024, Where Else Can Marc Marquez Go?

MotoGP: Alex Rins' Injury

The Spanish rider suffered a shattered right leg in a terrifying incident at Mugello during the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix sprint race, which left him sidelined from the competition. This unfortunate incident unfolded on lap four of the sprint race, although it went unnoticed by TV cameras. Remarkably, Rins maintained composure and stayed conscious throughout the ordeal. After the accident, he was quickly taken to the racetrack’s medical facility, where doctors confirmed a fractured right leg. For now, Rins' return to the race is uncertain. Despite Honda's lacklustre performance in 2023, Rins won the Americas GP in April.

Alex Rins has achieved a total of six wins in the MotoGP championship – his most recent win was at the Americas GP during the current season, a significant feat considering it marked his debut year with the Honda team. Rins has achieved a total of five victories in the premier class while representing Suzuki, in addition to securing eight victories in the Moto3 category and four victories in the Moto2 category.

Once he returns to the race, Rins will attempt to rediscover his form before joining Yamaha in 2024.

Also Read: MotoGP Bharat GP: These are the Riders and Teams You Should Keep an Eye on

MotoGP Bharat GP: Who is Stefan Bradl?

Stefan Bradl is a German professional motorcycle racer famous for his 2011 Moto2 World Championship victory. In 2012, he joined LCR Honda's MotoGP team. One of Bradl's most memorable moments in MotoGP was when he started on the pole in Laguna Seca and finished second to Marc Marquez, ahead of Valentino Rossi. After missing two races because of injuries, Bradl managed to finish the 2013 season in seventh place. Bradl will continue to participate as a wild card in 2022, thanks to his role as HRC's Test Rider.