Repsol and Honda: the end of an era

After 30 years, one of the most iconic partnerships in MotoGP history, Repsol and Honda, are set to go their separate ways at the end of this season.

This relationship wasn’t just about stickers on bikes, it symbolised dominance - delivering 15 riders’ championships and 10 constructors’ titles during its time in the sport. Repsol’s branding is intertwined with some of the most legendary performances, from Mick Doohan, and Valentino Rossi to Marc Márquez. During this time, the partnership became an emblem of success.

However, recent seasons have painted a different picture. The Team has been without a race victory since Márquez’s last Honda win at Misano in 2021 and is currently last in the standings, with the Spaniard’s departure at the end of last season aggravating the situation for the Team and sponsors.

Repsol’s exit could not come at a more challenging time for the Japanese manufacturer, which now faces the daunting task of rebuilding both its team and its commercial power. Misfortune continued during the Misano GP last weekend, with both Luca Marini and Joan Mir ruled out of the competition due to a stomach virus.

For Honda, the departure poses both a challenge and an opportunity. While it loses a historic partner, it opens the door for new sponsorship deals that could inject fresh financial resources and a new brand identity into the team’s MotoGP presence.

For Repsol, who will likely stay in the sport, this split signals a strategic shift towards greener, more forward-thinking ventures, with the energy giant adapting to the changing landscape of the sport as it heads towards 100% sustainable fuels in 2027.

With both brands entering uncharted territory, MotoGP's commercial landscape is set for a major shakeup – paving the way for a new chapter in the sport’s evolution.