Repsol has announced it will conclude its long-standing title sponsorship of Honda's factory MotoGP team at the end of the 2024 season. This marks the end of a partnership that began in 1995. The decision comes after years of success for the Repsol-Honda alliance, which has secured 15 riders' titles with legendary riders such as Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, and Marc Marquez. However, the team has faced challenges in recent years, with no race wins since Marquez's victory at Misano in 2021. Marquez's departure for Gresini Ducati last year further impacted the team's performance, leading to their current position at the bottom of the team standings. While Repsol has not disclosed its plans in MotoGP, the company has stated that it will continue to be involved in motorsports. It remains to be seen if Repsol will seek to sponsor another factory team or explore other motorsport opportunities.
In a statement, Repsol said: 'Repsol will not renew its current sponsorship contract with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) for the MotoGP World Championship, which ends on December 31 of this year.
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'The Repsol Honda Team is the most successful team in the history of the championship, with ten team titles, 15 rider titles and 183 victories in the premier class of motorcycling.
'Repsol is grateful for HRC’s commitment and dedication during all these years in which we have worked together.
'The multi-energy company will continue to be linked to motor racing to continue developing products and services of the highest quality.'
MotoGP: Repsol and Honda
Honda and Repsol have struggled in the 2024 MotoGP season, despite a successful 30-year partnership that earned them 15 titles, 183 victories, and 455 podiums. Joan Mir has scored just 13 points, while Luca Marini remains without any points. Honda is last in the constructors' standings, trailing Ducati by 185 points after six rounds.
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The 2024 RC213V prototype showed promise in off-season testing and performed well in Qatar, but it struggled at key tracks like Portimão and the Circuit of the Americas. Even with Honda's 'Rank D' concession allowing extra testing, the team hasn't seen the improvement it hoped for.
As MotoGP shifts to 40% non-fossil fuels in 2024 and aims for 100% synthetic petrol by 2027, Repsol's 30th season as Honda’s sponsor has been disappointing.
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