Liqui Moly realigns MotoGP deal as Repsol steps in as Moto2 and Moto3 lubricant supplier

Liqui Moly has agreed a new four-year deal with MotoGP which sees it step back as the official lubricant supplier of the Moto2 and Moto3 championships.

Confirmed:

• Liqui Moly will remain an official partner of MotoGP until 2029 with a strong brand presence at the majority of rounds
• The deal sees the brand continue as the title sponsor of the Sachsenring round
• From 2026, Repsol will take over as the exclusive lubricant supplier of the Moto2 and Moto3 championships
• Repsol will title sponsor one MotoGP race per season and receive prominent trackside branding throughout the year

Context:

As MotoGP begins to diminish the importance of its support categories, it is perhaps unsurprising to see Liqui Moly reconsider its commercial attachment to Moto2 and Moto3. From next season, the support paddock looks set to be relocated out of the main pitlane, just like in Formula One, according to The Race. This is in addition to a concerted effort from MotoGP executives to remove junior titles from a rider’s record of overall world championships. Traditionally, all MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 titles were included.

Despite this shift, Repsol has seen enough upside to step in as Liqui Moly’s replacement. Of course, Repsol are no strangers to the MotoGP paddock thanks to one of the most famous partnerships in all of sport with Honda. The pair parted ways at the end of the 2024 season, but it was always likely that the Spanish energy giant would return after it started up an advanced biofuels plant in Spain in early 2023 in preparation for MotoGP’s transition to 100 per cent sustainable fuels.

Comment:

“We made this decision as a team because we believe that both our technical requirements and our marketing goals in these two series, which particularly focused on our motorcycling products, have been fully met or successfully implemented,” said Marco Esser, marketing director of Liqui Moly.

“MotoGP and Liqui Moly are linked by a longstanding partnership based on our shared passion for motorsport and top performance. That’s why we will continue our sponsorship in the most prestigious competition, MotoGP, to further strengthen our brand internationally. We want to inspire fans all over the world.”

Dan Rossomondo, chief commercial officer of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, added: “Fans who already love MotoGP will know Repsol from its reputation in the sport for excellence and success, so we’re proud to see Repsol return.

“We know that as a lubricant supplier to Moto2 and Moto3, the riders and teams will be supplied with top-quality technology, and it is great news to see the brand take title sponsorship of a Grand Prix and put their name trackside. As MotoGP continues its trajectory of impressive growth, there is no better time to welcome Repsol as an official partner and write a new chapter together.” 

Coming next:

While the departure of Liqui Moly from the support categories will be a concern for junior teams, especially in terms of how their commercial pull will be affected, it’s a relief that Repsol have stepped in to assume responsibility. 

But MotoGP will be encouraged that Liqui Moly continues to see the importance of being attached to the championship. These are exciting times for the series as it begins its new era under the ownership of Liberty Media, and brands will be looking for a surge in popularity at least somewhat comparable to Formula One.

Go deeper:

• Five key questions for MotoGP now Liberty Media takeover is done
• Mics Out podcast: Dan Rossomondo on MotoGP’s Liberty takeover