REPSOL AND HONDA CONTINUE MOTOGP PARTNERSHIP

Repsol and Honda continue MotoGP partnership – Photo: LAT

It has been announced that one of the longest-running motorsport partnerships between Repsol and Honda will continue for another two years.

By DAN McCARTHY

The relationship in MotoGP between the Japanese manufacturer and Spanish fuel company dates back to 1995 and has been extended for a further two seasons.

The now legendary Repsol Honda coloured bikes have been competing in MotoGP for 25 years and in that time have taken 180 premier class victories, 15 Rider World Championships, 10 Team Championship and 447 podium finishes.

HRC President Yoshishige Nomura explained that it is always great to extend the partnership with the Repsol brand.

“It is always a great feeling to extend our partnership with Repsol, this time for a further two years. Together we have achieved incredible success and formed a partnership which is unique in motorsport,” he said.

This season has been one of the toughest in Honda and Repsol’s partnership after reigning champion Marc Marquez was injured in the opening race of the season.

In recent races his brother Alex – competing in his rookie season – has risen to the task scoring two podiums in the last two races, however the team still sits ninth in the teams’ standings.

This means that with four races to go it is unlikely that for the first time since 2004 the team will not finish in the top two of the teams’ championship.

“Working as one we have, and will continue, to overcome all obstacles and hardships which are presented to us, 2020 has been a difficult year for the world, but together with Repsol we have continued to work towards our goals,” Nomura continued.

“We are now looking forward to continuing this journey together and writing many more pages in the history of Grand Prix racing.”

Repsol and Honda have a close working relationship and have benefited off each other’s work for two and a half decades, with the Repsol Technology Centre located in Mostoles Spain, and the HRC laboratories in Saitama, Japan working together successfully.

Repsol’s executive managing director of communications and the chairman’s office Begona Elices Garcia said that the extension of the relationship is important for the brand during these uncertain times.

“The renewal of this agreement with a partner as important to Repsol as Honda in MotoGP is proof of the strength of our alliance, especially in the current international climate caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” Garcia said.

“For Repsol, the technological factor is key and this historic association has provided a lot of innovation and collaboration.

“Together we have achieved great sporting goals and we have also made our products evolve towards excellence.

“Continuing to advance along this successful path, always at the service of society, is what drives us to continue to improve day after day.”

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