MotoGP 2024: this is how Honda classifies the Marc Marquez era in its archives

The year 2024 is of crucial importance for the official Honda MotoGP team, not only because of the departure of Marc Marquez. His farewell was not well received by title sponsor Repsol, and although there was no official press release, changes are visible to the RC213V's livery. It's not just about aerodynamics. The Spanish oil company seems to play a secondary role in terms of sponsorship, as evidenced by its reduced place on the bike.

Until last year, the logo Repsol dominated the factory bike's fairing, but today the situation has evolved. After a Shakedown where Joan mir et Luca marini rode all-black bikes, with no apparent sponsors, today at Sepang the stickers returned to the official HRC team bikes with significant modifications. Registration Repsol was moved to the bottom of the fairing, almost at the level of the keel. Additionally, the size of the logo has been significantly reduced compared to the previous season. The brand Honda now takes center stage and stands out elegantly in the center of the fairing.

Honda seems to be taking control of its RC213V project to the detriment of Spanish influence

Another notable change is the absence of the logo Red Bull on the RC213V. Since 2015, the energy drink brand has featured prominently on the bike, as well as on the front fender, both adorned with the famous Red Bull logo. The partnership seems to have ended, and again the reason seems to be the departure of Marc Marquez. It appears Red Bull had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Honda earlier.

The reorganization of the HRC team engaged in the MotoGP championship is also visible in the box. It is not only the arrival of Luca marini who is talking about her. During the first day of testing at Sepang, Alex Baumgartel, co-founder of the chassis company Kalex, was present in Repsol Honda colors. HRC et Kalex have collaborated for the first time in MotoGP in 2022, experimenting with an aluminum rear swingarm developed by the German brand. In 2023, they introduced a new chassis which received mixed reviews from drivers. It remains to be seen how the work ofAlex Baumgartel will influence the progress of the Honda RC213V.