MotoGP achievements “will remain” despite Repsol exit, says Honda team boss Puig

• Partnership delivered 15 championships over 30 years
• Repsol established biofuels plant ahead of MotoGP’s switch to sustainable fuels in 2027

Honda’s MotoGP achievements with Repsol “will remain through the passing of time in motorsport”, despite the 30-year partnership coming to a close at the end of the season, according to team manager Alberto Puig.

The Repsol Honda team have been one of the most recognisable and successful teams in MotoGP history, carrying iconic riders such as Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Márquez to championships.

But with the outfit’s performance deteriorating at a rapid rate, in addition to the loss of Márquez to the Ducati stable this season, Repsol has reconsidered its position with the team.

Reports emerged in May that the partnership looked likely to conclude by the end of this season, and Puig has now reflected on the iconic collaboration.

“I think that both companies did a fantastic job,” Puig told motorsport news site Crash. “This alliance was great for 30 years. Many titles, clear dominance in the sport for many years.

“They developed a very good product for Honda bikes. And Honda produced very good bikes for Repsol to show its potential.

“It was a very good alliance but, like everything in life, sometimes it comes to an end. There is a lot of respect from each company, to each company. Both companies are very grateful to the efforts that both did in this long journey.

“From the Honda point of view, we are happy and we can say thank you. The titles and victories that we achieved together will remain through the passing of time in motorsport.”

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Repsol has not confirmed its plans beyond the end of this year, but this may not be the end for the brand in MotoGP.

When the last extension between Honda and Repsol was announced in 2022, the Spanish energy and petrochemical company confirmed plans for an advanced biofuels plant in preparation for MotoGP’s transition to 100 per cent sustainable fuels.

With the sustainable shift coming in 2027, Repsol already has the foundations in place to deliver a technical partnership for another team while receiving greater return on investment through better on-track performances.

Plus, with Liberty Media set to take control of the global motorcycling series, Repsol has a great opportunity to position itself with a frontrunning team and gain increased visibility.