This was expected and Honda, which let Marc Marquez prematurely end a contract running until the end of December 2024, should not be surprised by this news which is perhaps only the first of its kind. Thus, the Red Bull brand will no longer be on the fairings of the Repsol RC213V despite a binding agreement which would also run until the end of the theoretical lease of the eight-time World Champion. The Austrian drink that would give wings spreads its wings to fly from the Honda factory team to Gresini Ducati with the Spaniard. Another brand, Estrella Galicia, would be ready to do the same.
The more time passes the more we wonder how Honda manages its MotoGP project. Technically, we have known for too long that the men of the HRC are overwhelmed by the new situation initiated by Ducati. But politically, the latest events suggest an inventory before closing. We therefore first decided to let go of the figurehead Marc Marquez before the end of his contract at the end of 2024 without penalties but also without obstacles since, from November 28, he will be able to start working on the Ducati Gresini during the first test of the MotoGP Valencia off-season.
But it is not finished. Now the sponsors are leaving the fairing of the RC213V Repsol. According to speedweek, Red Bull accompany Marc Marquez in Gresini Ducati. We therefore understand that it will not actually drive for free and this strong message already opens up an avenue for reflection on what its destination could be in 2025... For Honda, this partnership, which has lasted since 2006, is not neutral since the contract signed with the Austrian brand until the end of 2024 prohibits it from entering into any agreement with another having the same company name. Surprisingly, even if she were to prematurely withdraw from her investment...
Red Bull affirms a strong link with Marc Marquez which opens a reflection on its 2025 destination
Since we adorn ourselves with drink, Honda has perhaps not yet drunk the chalice to the dregs since Estrella Galicia, the Spanish brewery but without energizing virtue, would be the next brand to withdraw. This year, she hadn't put her eggs in one basket, following so many Alex Marquez at Gresini Ducati that Marc at Repsol Honda. With the two brothers now reunited, there would no longer be any reason to share the budget between two teams.
Et Repsol in all of that ? The energy supplier should not review its plans, especially in this pivotal period when it will be necessary to communicate on the sustainable fuel which we will begin to find in MotoGP tanks next year. The current agreement has been signed until the end of 2024. Honda will therefore have lost not only its eight-time World Champion, but also investors. That being said, the saving of an annual salary estimated at 15 million euros should balance it out.
