Alex Rins is confident with his race pace, despite a qualifying crash which saw him qualify down in eighth position on his factory Ecstar Suzuki GSX-RR at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The Spaniard came into qualifying as one of the favourites due to his pace in free practice. Rins’ qualifying session came to an abrupt end when he lost the front end of his Suzuki into turn eight.

Despite his third row start, the Spaniard said that he is confident with his pace for Sundays race.

“I’m really disappointed having crashed due to a small mistake,” said the 23-year-old.

“Without the crash, I could have been starting from the first or second row. I have to say I feel good in terms of my pace though. I am more or less at the level of Marc [Marquez] and Fabio [Quartararo], so I’m feeling confident.”

Rins was a victim of the low top end speed of the GSX-RR last time out in Mugello and in the season opener in Qatar. With a long straight in Barcelona, many thought he might suffer again; Rins has an explanation as to why that may not be the case.

“The situation is very different here, as in Qatar you come out of the last turn in second and the straight is really long,” he explained. “I think it will be easier here actually.

“I’ve got good sensations in terms of grip as well, particularly during the morning. It will be slightly different to normal, but I’m sure I’ll be able to push through the corners.”