MotoGP: Honda Reveals All-new Livery with Castrol as Title Sponsor

Honda has revealed its 2025 MotoGP livery, marking the end of its 30-year partnership with Repsol. The factory team will now race under Castrol branding, bringing a fresh identity after decades of Repsol colours. This major shift was officially unveiled in Indonesia, where Honda introduced its new HRC factory colours alongside its new title sponsor, Castrol.

The change comes after a difficult 2024 season for Honda. The team finished last in the constructors' standings with only 75 points. Factory riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini struggled, while Johann Zarco of LCR Honda secured the brand’s best result—an eighth-place finish at a wet Thai Grand Prix.

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Despite this, Zarco only finished 17th overall, reflecting Honda’s broader struggles. The disappointing season makes 2025 a crucial year for the team. With new sponsorship, a fresh livery, and a drive to improve, Honda aims to turn its fortunes around and compete at the front once again.

Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation said: 'On behalf of Honda HRC, I would like to welcome Castrol to the MotoGP project. HRC and Castrol both share the same vision, drive and focus on technology and the future. We have enjoyed great success with them in the past and also in other categories, so it was a natural fit. Everyone is working hard to bring success to the MotoGP World Championship in 2025, we must continue to remain focused and diligently walk the path ahead of us. With Joan Mir and Luca Marini, we have two strong and talented riders to help us push forward on this journey. Racing is at the very core of Honda, and I am sure that we will achieve more success this season.'

Alberto Puig, Team Manager, said: 'Another season is upon us, and we must approach it the same way as every season before; with clear targets and a plan on how to arrive at them. We know what Joan Mir is capable of as a double World Champion and he knows what his targets are for the year. Last year we saw the steady growth of Luca Marini during the season, and he must continue this trend. From our side, as Honda HRC, we must also keep working to deliver the equipment to the riders for them to perform. We are pleased to welcome Castrol to this project as we target future successes together.'

Honda has restructured its MotoGP team for 2025 to regain its competitive edge. A major change is the appointment of Romano Albesiano as Technical Director, replacing Ken Kawauchi, who moves to the test team. Albesiano, who helped Aprilia rise from being a backmarker in 2015 to being a race winner, brings valuable expertise to Honda.

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Strengthening its test team, Honda has also signed three-time Grand Prix winner Aleix Espargaro. The former Aprilia rider, who retired last season, adds experience and technical insight to Honda’s development programme, reinforcing its push to return to the front.

Pre-season testing starts in Malaysia from 5-7 February, followed by Thailand from 12-13 February. The 2025 MotoGP season kicks off at Buriram from 28 February to 2 March, where Honda will unveil the results of its latest strategy and technical upgrades.