End of an era: Repsol and Honda go their separate ways
It is striking that Repsol will be represented in the Grand Prix paddock without a partnership with Honda for the first time in three decades. For over 30 years, the close cooperation between Honda and Repsol shaped the Motorcycle World Championship, with numerous victories and world championships celebrated together. Riders such as Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, and Dani Pedrosa wore the distinctive Repsol-Honda design.
However, at the end of the 2024 season, Honda and Repsol parted ways. Honda subsequently secured Castrol as the new main sponsor for the factory team. In the years that followed, success eluded the team: between 2020 and 2024, Honda was unable to build on its glorious past. Marc Marquez, the brand’s long-time figurehead, moved to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season. Meanwhile, the RC213V went through some difficult years and was at times considered the slowest motorcycle on the grid. Nevertheless, Honda managed to turn the tide somewhat in the 2025 season, even though Ducati and Aprilia are still considered to be stronger.
Uniform lubricants in Moto2 and Moto3
Unlike MotoGP, where teams and manufacturers are free to choose their lubricant partner, Moto2 and Moto3 require the use of a uniform lubricant. Repsol is now taking over this role from Liqui Moly and will act as the sole oil supplier for all teams. This will give the company additional visibility within the world championship, despite its well-known presence in the lubricant market.
Outlook: Return to MotoGP?
It remains to be seen whether Repsol’s involvement in Moto2 and Moto3 is paving the way for a return to MotoGP. However, as the sole supplier in the two junior classes, the company is consolidating its presence in the paddock and keeping its options open for the future. For the teams in Moto2 and Moto3, the change means switching to the Spanish oil company’s products.
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