MotoGP Austin winner Alex Rins is expecting a fierce scrap on his home Jerez turf this weekend due to the tight and narrow nature of the track.

Rins, who snatched victory from Valentino Rossi in the closing stages of the Texas races, reckons Jerez should suit the characteristics of his GSX-RR well.

“I think Jerez can be a good track for us, it suits the GSX-RR’s characteristics pretty well despite the fact that it’s a very demanding layout,” Rins said.

There are some hard-braking areas which will require us to have a perfect set-up. There will be some patches with new tarmac, which may give us some extra benefit, although it will be the same conditions for everyone.

“I’m happy to go to Jerez and finally start the European rounds, which are very different from all the previous races: Qatar, Argentina and Texas are unique circuits, each one is sort of ‘one of a kind’ and must be approached as such. But from now on it will be very important to be consistent and keep on one path.

“Also, the circuit is very narrow, so the fight will be very fierce in the race. I’m excited to get into ‘race mode’ in front of the home fans.”