Published: 09 Sep 2024
Repsol and Honda to End Historic MotoGP Partnership After 2024
After the 2024 season, Repsol & Honda’s 30-year partnership in MotoGP will come to an end. The MotoGP manufacturer is on the hunt for a new main sponsor.
The iconic partnership between Spanish oil giant Repsol and MotoGP manufacturer Honda will officially come to an end after the 2024 season, marking the conclusion of a relationship that has lasted nearly three decades.
Repsol entered MotoGP in 1995, becoming a major part of Honda’s identity with its branding on the NSR500 bike. Over the course of their 30-year collaboration, the Repsol-Honda duo has achieved remarkable success, securing 15 rider world championships, 11 team titles, 183 race wins, and 455 podium finishes.
However, recent years have seen a significant downturn in their fortunes. The once-dominant team has not won a Grand Prix in three years and has been without a world title since Marc Márquez’s championship victory in 2019. Despite still being the most successful manufacturer in MotoGP history, Honda has struggled to to stay competitive in the premier class.
The catalyst for Repsol’s decision to part ways with Honda is largely tied to the departure of Marc Márquez. When the Spanish superstar announced his move to Gresini Ducati at the end of 2023, Repsol significantly reduced its sponsorship commitment.
The oil company’s strategy has long relied on the presence of high-profile Spanish riders, and Márquez’s exit effectively marked the end of an era for the Repsol-Honda alliance.
Former Repsol-Honda rider Pol Espargaró expressed his disappointment at the news during the Misano Grand Prix. “I’m very sad to hear this, because Repsol is a partner any organization would love to have.”
“They’ve supported the sport through its best and worst moments, brought riders like Marc Márquez to the top, and shown incredible passion. I was fortunate to be a part of that,” said Espargaró, who is now a test rider for KTM.
He added, “It’s a real loss for MotoGP as a whole, and I hope it’s a ‘See you Later!’ rather than a goodbye. I’d love to see Repsol back in the future.”
Repsol’s decision is also influenced by its shifting focus towards non-fossil fuels, aligning with the global push for sustainability in motorsport. MotoGP has already committed to using 100% fossil-free fuels by 2027 (up from the current 40%).
Additionally, there are indications that Repsol will increase its involvement in Formula 1 as the series moves towards sustainable fuel solutions over the course of the upcoming seasons.
