In recent times, the unveiling of the Repsol Honda MotoGP team’s new bike has been a predictable affair. The paint job would remain largely unchanged from year to year, with only minor modifications, if any. However, this year is different. Honda’s rebuilding factory outfit is undergoing a significant transformation.
In 2024, KTM has taken over Honda’s position as the team with a consistent livery. The day after KTM’s launch, Honda revealed a radical departure from its usual design. While the familiar orange, white, and red colors of Repsol are still present, they now occupy a smaller portion of the bike’s side fairing. The majority of the paint job now features Honda’s traditional blue-and-red livery, with a touch of Repsol influence.
The new livery is a busy yet somewhat elegant combination, especially without the presence of Red Bull branding. Red Bull had been a prominent sponsor for Repsol Hondas since 2015 but is no longer involved. This departure is symbolic of Honda’s post-Marc Marquez era. The six-time champion left the team due to underperformance and the bike’s inability to compete with rivals in terms of engine performance and aerodynamics.
The new RC213V, which Marquez relinquished for the 2024 season, is an improvement. It is lighter, more compliant, and faster. However, it is not yet a championship-winning bike. Honda is now entering a rebuilding phase with new signings, closer cooperation with the satellite LCR team, and unrestricted engine development and testing privileges. This rebuild was not possible while Marquez was with the team, as his talent and age demanded immediate success.
The new livery may not symbolize these changes directly, but it does reflect the practical consequences of Marquez’s departure. Reports suggest that Repsol’s reduced presence is tied to a decreased financial contribution post-Marquez. The sponsorship deal is also up for renewal, casting doubt on its future. Additionally, the absence of Red Bull branding has its own implications.
Regardless of the causes, the new livery is thematically appropriate. The Honda MotoGP team of 2024 is not the same as it was in the past or during its most successful years. It must undergo significant changes if it wants to succeed once again.
According to the Source the-race.com