Despite the surprising departure of Marc Márquez, the iconic rider from Cervera, Repsol, Honda’s long-standing sponsor, has confirmed its commitment to the Japanese manufacturer. The company has decided to honor its contract with Honda until the end of 2024. This decision aligns with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Repsol and Honda, a collaboration that began in 1995.
The early termination of the contract of the eight-time world champion, who seems to be on the brink of announcing his signing with the Gresini team, will not affect the enduring partnership between Repsol and Honda. The agreement will remain intact until December 31, 2024. This decision was made last year in October when Repsol renewed its collaboration with the Tokyo-based brand for an additional two years. The primary objective was to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their alliance by reclaiming the championship’s top spot with Márquez, whose contract with Honda was initially set to end in 2024.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, the paths of Márquez and Repsol are set to diverge. Starting from the next season, Repsol will no longer accompany the champion from Cervera, despite having been with him throughout his entire MotoGP career. However, there’s a possibility that the relationship between Marc and the Spanish company could be rekindled in 2025, especially if Repsol decides to conclude its partnership with Honda.
Much will hinge on the performance of the Japanese brand in the upcoming season and the trajectory of Márquez’s career after a year with the Gresini team. If rumors about Márquez’s potential move to KTM come to fruition, Repsol’s reunion with the Spanish rider might face challenges due to ExxonMobil’s sponsorship of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. ExxonMobil entered into a long-term partnership with the team last February.