Link to Youtube
MP4 file
MOV File
Copyright Free
Marc Márquez and Pol Espargaró are prepared for the new challenges ahead
After an atypical season both on and off track in 2020, 2021 represents the opportunity for the MotoGP World Championship to face adversity and push through. The Repsol Honda Team are ready for any challenge that lies ahead, with a new lineup for the coming season: Pol Espargaró -who had his best campaign in the premier class to date last year- partners multiple-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez. The two riders have grown up in the sport together, competing in championships in Spain and in Moto2 and MotoGP. In total, they hold 446 races worth of experience at Grand Prix level, with 184 podiums, 97 victories and 9 world titles combined.
The Repsol Honda Team provided a completely virtual presentation for the first time in the history of the team, adapting to the present circumstances worldwide.
The 2013 Moto2 World Champion achieves his childhood dream of representing the Repsol Honda Team, and will be onboard the factory RC213V this season. With over 100 races to his name in the premier class, the 29-year-old is one of the most experienced riders on the MotoGP grid, and last year fought his way to fifth in the overall standings with five podiums and two pole positions.
For Marc Márquez, the 2021 season will be a new start, as he returns following an injury suffered last year at Jerez. Focusing tirelessly on recovering from the fractured humerus that sidelined him in 2020, he has been attempting to get back to full fitness. The Repsol Honda Team will now travel to Qatar for the MotoGP pre-season where Pol Espargaró will get his first taste of the Honda RC213V. Marc Márquez will not attend the Qatar Test as he continues to focus on his recovery.
All content from the presentation is available to the media on motogplaunch.hondaracingcorporation.com
Marc Márquez:
“After such a long time away, it’s nice to see my bike again and put my leathers back on. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone -and especially for me, with the injury and having to watch the races from home. I have continued working with the doctors and with the team to recover and get back to riding in MotoGP competition. Of course, I would have liked to come back sooner, but it is very important to continue listening to the doctors and my body until I am fully prepared. I will not be at the Qatar Test as I aim to return only when I am 100% and there is still some work to do.”
Pol Espargaró:
“The period leading up to the start of the year has been one of the most exciting of my career; it’s been like waiting for my first season or my debut in MotoGP. Racing with the Repsol Honda Team is the dream of many riders and something to be deeply proud of. Every few weeks I have taken another step forward, whether that be seeing my motorcycle at my house, or putting my leathers on now. The final step is to ride the RC213V for the first time in Qatar; this excitement is motivating me to train even more and get in better shape to face the 2021 World Championship season. I have come to the Repsol Honda Team to achieve success and fight for the top positions, and that is the goal for 2021.”
Ana Camps
Repsol Sponsoring, Media, Advertising and PR Deputy Director
“We are looking to achieve the results that have always been the hallmark of the team: Fighting for victories, podiums and championships. This is the reason why, after more than 25 years together, we continue to stand side-by-side with Honda -the best partner we can have in MotoGP. The alliance between our two companies goes beyond a sponsorship agreement and is based on technology: It is a collaboration between Honda’s research centre in Saitama and the Repsol Technology Lab in Madrid.
Our Repsol Technology Lab scientists apply the most cutting edge technology to our fuels and lubricants, and we take advantage of all the knowledge that top level competition gives us to achieve the highest quality and efficiency for our Repsol products. We know that Marc is an extraordinary rider and a unique person with a great ability to overcome any obstacle, so we have no doubt that he will surprise us once again. Marc, of course, has our full support to achieve the goals that he is targeting.
We are also very happy with the arrival of Pol Espargaró to the team. He is a great professional and a mature rider, and now he will have the opportunity to show his incredible talent to the fullest.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata
HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division
“We are entering a season full of expectation and desire. After how difficult 2020 was, we continue to learn and are working hard to return to the top of the championship standings. From a technical standpoint, HRC have been working as hard as ever to keep improving the RC213V. We have a new rider this year, Pol Espargaró, who has experience and the desire to achieve victory. We are eagerly awaiting our first test with him. As for Marc, we have been closely monitoring his recovery and will continue to do everything possible to support his quest to come back stronger. Finally, I would like to thank Repsol for their continuous support. Without them, we would not be able to compete, as they are not only a sponsor but also a partner in this great challenge.”
