Autosport has learned that Repsol is preparing to make its return to the MotoGP World Championship as the exclusive lubricant supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes next season.
In May 2024, Autosport reveals Spanish energy company will not renew its long-term partnership with the factory Honda MotoGP teamThe collaboration began in 1995 under the leadership of Mick Doohan and Alex Criville and has built up an extraordinary record over the course of almost three decades: 15 world titles, 183 wins and 455 podiums.
Repsol confirmed its departure more than three months later, issuing a brief statement during the San Marino Grand Prix – a low-profile end to the most enduring and successful sponsorship in the series’ history. By the 2024 season, the partnership had already lost visibility mark marquezStep towards Gresini.
However, it now appears that Repsol’s absence from the paddock will be short-lived. The brand is expected to return to the championship in 2026, although not with Honda – which immediately partnered with Castrol to meet its fuel and lubricants needs – and not in MotoGP itself. Instead, Repsol will play a global role as the sole lubricant supplier for the intermediate and light categories.
Unlike MotoGP, where each team can independently select its own fuel and oil suppliers, the Moto2 and Moto3 classes operate under a unified technical framework. In recent years, Liqui Moly has been the exclusive lubricants partner, with its contract initially extended until the end of 2027. However, the German company and MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports have agreed to terminate their deal two years ahead of schedule.
The MotoGP World Championship is currently at a turning point on both the sporting and commercial fronts. Sponsorship strategy, in particular, will be important as the series enters a new era following the acquisition of Dorna Sports by Liberty Media, the same company that owns Formula 1.
Diogo Moreira, Italtrans Racing Team, Daniel Holgado, CFMOTO Asper Team, David Alonso, CFMOTO Asper Team
Photo by: Gold & Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images
“Liberty and we both understand that the same strategy won’t necessarily work twice – it has to be unique to our game,” Dan Rossomondo, Dorna’s chief commercial officer, explained in an interview. blackbook motorsport earlier this year.
“The people at Liberty are very sharp; they know they have something special and they don’t want to ruin it. I think they will take the time to really understand the business and who we are. I don’t think they will try to overly commercialize the sport. They see some synergy with Formula 1, but the approach may not be the same.”
As of now, Liberty Media officials are closely observing and analyzing the MotoGP operations. Groups of company representatives – including auditors from Ernst & Young – were seen taking interviews during the races in Barcelona and Misano.
Notably, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali attended the San Marino Grand Prix, while Liberty Chairman and CEO Derek Chang visited Motegi, marking his first hands-on experience inside the two-wheel championship paddock.
While Liberty’s main focus remains on MotoGP’s premier class, the news of Repsol’s return serves as an encouraging sign for the entire championship.
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