Honda and Repsol to End Hugely Successful MotoGP Partnership
Honda and Repsol will part ways following the 2024 MotoGP season, ending a 30-year partnership
Repsol has decided to call time on its partnership with Honda after being the title sponsor for 15 riders’ championship wins. Repsol and Honda have been joined at the hip since 1995, but the painting was on the wall for Repsol when its sponsor was moved to the bottom fairing of the factory Honda MotoGP team for 2024.
Honda’s woes in MotoGP, which began when eight-time world champion Marc Marquez injured himself in the opening round of the 2020 season, have escalated season after season. It has since led to the iconic brand being the slowest of the five manufacturers in MotoGP, and a return to the top of the sport looks to be a long way away.
Losing Marquez to a satellite Ducati team was a big issue for Honda, who throughout its journey with Repsol has often been the team riders aspired to ride for.
Speaking about the end of its agreement with Repsol, Honda said: “After 30 years of collaboration at the highest level of motorcycle racing, Honda Racing Corporation and Repsol will part ways at the conclusion of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship.
“Honda HRC and Repsol have enjoyed a partnership which has become synonymous with success at the highest level. Going beyond sponsorship, it has been a true collaboration between both companies, striving to continue as the reference in Grand Prix motorcycling.
“Debuting in 1995, the Repsol Honda Team achieved immediately success and won the Premier Class World Championship that same year. The following three decades have seen the collaboration between Honda HRC and Repsol claim 15 Premier Class World Championships, 10 Premier Class Team Championships, 183 Premier Class wins and 455 Premier Class podiums.
“Honda HRC wishes Repsol all the best in their future business and sporting ventures.”
Repsol, which has been part of Honda’s hugely successful MotoGP history after winning titles with Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan, Alex Crivile, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner and Marquez, intends to remain in motor racing going forward.
The Spanish petroleum company’s statement said: “Repsol will not renew its current sponsorship contract with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) for the MotoGP World Championship, which ends on December 31 of this year.
“The Repsol Honda Team is the most successful team in the history of the championship, with eleven team titles, 15 rider titles and 183 victories in the premier class of motorcycling.
“Repsol is grateful for HRC's commitment and dedication during all these years in which we have worked together.
“The multi-energy company will continue to be linked to motor racing to continue developing products and services of the highest quality.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
