The Spanish energy company and the Japanese manufacturer extend their contract until 2020, cementing the most successful relationship in motorcycle racing history.
Repsol and Honda have extended their MotoGP contract for another two years, cementing an alliance based on technological collaboration and commemorating their 25th anniversary in 2019.
In 1995, Repsol and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) partnered on a project that will celebrate a quarter of a century in motorcycle racing next year. Since then, the energy company and the vehicle manufacturer have won 13 drivers’ world championships in the premier class and recorded 163 Grand Prix victories, most recently at the Dutch TT last weekend by Marc Márquez.
Begoña Elices, Repsol’s Executive Managing Director of Communications and the Chairman’s Office, and Yoshishige Nomura, President of HRC, signed the renewal of the agreement whereby Repsol will continue to be the main sponsor of the Honda factory team in MotoGP and the supplier of the fuel and lubricants used by their motorcycles – unique prototypes that carry technological excellence, products and innovation from both companies.
For the 2019 season, the current world champion Márquez will work with Jorge Lorenzo. Between the two, they have won seven of the last eight MotoGP titles, with the exception of Casey Stoner with Repsol Honda in 2011.
The collaboration between Repsol and Honda goes beyond traditional sports sponsorship and is reflected in a close relationship between the Honda laboratories in Saitama (Japan) and the Repsol technology center in Móstoles (Spain).
This long-term teamwork is an example of the long-term collaboration between two global companies that are always trying to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. Repsol and Honda were able to use their strengths to the full and achieve a formula for success based on the combination of bike, rider, fuel and lubricant.
In the 1990s, the collaboration began developing two-stroke engines and fuel and took on the challenge of creating the best four-stroke engines and fuels in the world.
More than half of the premier class world championship titles that have been won since 1995 have gone to the Repsol Honda team. In addition, the collaboration between Repsol and Honda has resulted in winning the team championship seven times since the award was presented in 2002. A record of 163 wins and 419 podiums was achieved in 500cc and MotoGP thanks to riders like Mick Doohan, Álex Crivillé, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Márquez.
The team with the most famous colors of the MotoGP World Championship is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the relationship between Repsol and Honda in 2019, an event that coincides with the 50th anniversary of the energy company as a sports sponsor.