Kawauchi was one of many keys to the success at Suzuki on its return to MotoGP from 2015 and, along with Davide Brivio, he took cost of the technical facet up till the Japanese producer stop the sequence on the finish of 2022.
Rins joined Suzuki on his MotoGP debut in 2017 and remained a part of the group till its racing division was closed final 12 months.
Each Rins and Kawauchi discovered refuge at Honda, Rins becoming a member of satellite tv for pc squad LCR whereas Kawauchi grew to become HRC technical supervisor and changed Takeo Yokoyama.
Since his first experience on the RC213V on the Valencia take a look at final November and up till his transfer to Yamaha in 2024 was introduced within the build-up to the British Grand Prix, the Spaniard had been calling for extra consideration from Honda, who he feels haven’t been as supportive as they might have been, regardless of its present disaster.
It was thought Kawauchi’s presence within the senior Honda ranks would have helped in that regard, however Rins mentioned that was removed from the case.
“My relationship with Ken thus far has been tremendous totally different to what it was at Suzuki, and really totally different to what I anticipated.
“I do not know if it has been on Ken’s facet or Honda’s facet, however the communication has been tremendous poor,” Rins mentioned on the Spanish version of Motorsport.com’s Por Orejas podcast.
Ken Kawauchi
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“I used to be anticipating the identical factor you have been anticipating. That, coming from Suzuki, the place we have been collectively for a few years, at Honda we’d additionally discuss, we’d meet. It was by no means what I assumed.”
Earlier than signing for HRC and becoming a member of satellite tv for pc squad LCR, Rins was provided the possibility to signal for Gresini, however ultimately opted for LCR as a result of the provide secured him a manufacturing facility rider deal.
However the elements and bike Rins had been competing with earlier than his damage in Mugello, for essentially the most half, have been totally different to what Marc Marquez and Joan Mir had within the manufacturing facility Repsol Honda squad.
“It isn’t that Honda did not give me technical assist, it was extra a query of a scarcity of belief, of not relying on me for growth, of not believing in me anymore,” Rins added.
“Because the starting of the season, even for the reason that Valencia take a look at final 12 months, my bike has been totally different from the manufacturing facility group. Even when it was in small issues, however totally different. Ultimately you get used to it, however that is why I made a decision to signal for Yamaha.”
Rins is the one Honda rider to take victory thus far this season, triumphing on the Americas GP, and regardless of lacking the final 4 rounds he’s nonetheless the highest-placed Honda rider.
“After profitable in Texas all the pieces stayed the identical,” Rins mentioned.
Rins has been out of motion since breaking his leg at Mugello in June however could possibly be set to return to motion this weekend on the Austrian GP.
