The world of motorcycle racing witnessed one of the biggest recent upsets with Repsol’s departure from MotoGP, following a historic and victorious partnership with Honda. Now, to the surprise of many, the oil giant announces its return to the two-wheel scene, but with an interesting twist: the focus will be on the feeder categories, Moto2 and Moto3, and without the iconic association with the Japanese team.
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The End of an Era and the Beginning of Another
For decades, Repsol wasn’t just a sponsor; it was synonymous with Honda’s factory team in the premier class, MotoGP. Their orange, white, and red livery became instantly recognizable, celebrating titles and unforgettable moments, especially with legends like Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Márquez. The news of their departure earlier this year left a void, comparable, in the automotive universe, to Red Bull’s exit from Formula 1—a significant blow to the sport and, particularly, to Honda’s legacy.
With Repsol absent, Honda quickly made a move, bringing Castrol in as its new primary sponsor. Meanwhile, Repsol remained silent, leading many to believe its time in motorcycle racing had ended. However, this perception proved wrong, as less than a year after the end of its partnership with Honda, Repsol is back in the sport.
The Surprising Return: Focus on Feeder Categories
The big news, announced by Dorna (the organizer of MotoGP), is that starting in 2026, Repsol will become the official lubricant supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes. The change came after an agreement to prematurely terminate the contract with the previous partner, Liqui Moly. The exact reason for the split with Liqui Moly has not yet been disclosed.
This strategic move by Repsol, focusing on the intermediate and lightweight categories, raises some questions. It is natural to wonder if the company sees this as a springboard for a future return to the main class, MotoGP. From a strategic standpoint, sponsoring the feeder categories might seem like a “step back” to some, especially considering the cost and visibility. However, being the exclusive lubricant supplier for two entire categories could be a significant investment in research and development, as well as ensuring broad and continuous presence in the paddock, such as in aspects of engine coking. Exposure to young talent and product development for these high-performance machines are undeniably valuable.
Repsol’s history in motorcycling is rich. The partnership with Honda, which spanned decades, was the longest and most successful in the championship’s history, only losing visibility with Marc Márquez’s departure to Gresini. Now, without Honda, and as the global supplier for the development categories, Repsol is writing a new chapter. This is a crucial point for lubricant choice and for the development of future riders.
Expectations are high to see how this new phase will unfold. With Liberty Media acquiring MotoGP, the future of motor racing is constantly evolving, and the presence of renowned brands like Repsol is always a good sign. It would not be surprising if, sooner or later, we see Repsol back in the premier class, perhaps exploring new technologies emerging from the tracks and becoming mainstream.
This return is excellent news for motorcycle racing fans and for the competitive scene in general, which benefits from the expertise and investment of major companies. The dynamics of the sport continue to evolve, with the entry of new players and technologies, such as the development of automotive innovations, showing that the stage for great excitement is always set.
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.
