The end of an era, Repsol and Honda

The Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona will end the partnership between Repsol and Honda. From next season, the Spanish tanker will no longer appear on Japanese motorcycles.

Since 1995, Hondas have worn Repsol orange and red. After 30 years of collaboration, the Spanish oil company is leaving the Japanese manufacturer, thus putting an end to one of the greatest stories in the premier category.

Honda and Repsol, 30 years of history!

In 1995, Repsol decided to become the title sponsor of the Honda factory team. The Spanish company is no stranger to the paddock since it sponsored Juan López Mella's Yamaha in 1994. At that time, Mick Doohan was the 500cc World Champion. The NSR500 is stamped with #1. From the first race of the season, the Repsol Honda won, with the Australian driver. This first year of collaboration will end with a new title for Mick Doohan riding the Japanese motorcycle.

With the Australian rider, Honda and Repsol won three other titles, in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The trio Mick Doohan – Honda – Repsol represents four world titles and 35 Grand Prix successes. The story ends during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, where the Australian driver breaks his leg and immediately announces his retirement.

However, Repsol and Honda can count on another driver to win since the 1999 title goes to Alex Crivillé. He becomes the first Spanish driver to win a title in the premier category, and with the colors of a Spanish company!

After two difficult years, with only one victory for Alex Crivillé at the 2000 French Grand Prix, Repsol and Honda began the MotoGP era with two titles, with Valentino Rossi, who joined the factory team in 2002. But “The Doctor” decided to join Yamaha after his 2003 crown. The structure returned to victory in 2005, with Nicky Hayden, during the United States Grand Prix. “The Kentucky Kid” will even win the world title the following season. Five years later, it was Casey Stoner who became MotoGP World Champion with the Repsol – Honda duo.

In 2013, a phenomenon joined the premier category: Marc Márquez. Moto2 World Champion in 2012, he won the world title in the premier category in his first season. He returned the following year and won the drivers' standings between 2016 and 2019. This is the last drivers' title won by the Honda factory team. Marc Márquez is also the last victorious driver with Repsol Honda, at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2021, as well as the last driver to reach a podium, at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.

Repsol Honda, in 30 years of association, has achieved fifteen driver titles, ten team titles (the last of which dates back to 2019 with the duo Marc Márquez and Jorge Lorenzo) and 183 victories in the premier category.