Honda commits to MotoGP World Championship for 2022-2026

Honda has become the third factory - but first of the Japanese manufacturers - to officially confirm its continued presence in MotoGP by signing with Dorna for the next five-year contract cycle, from 2022-2026.

Honda first entered motorcycle grand prix in 1954 and has gone on to claim over 800 victories across all classes, with over 100 different riders.

In the premier 500cc/MotoGP class, Honda has claimed 25 riders' world championships - more than any other brand in history - including six of the last eight with Marc Marquez.

In addition to its factory Repsol team, which has a revised line-up of Pol Espargaro alongside injured star Marquez this season, Honda will again be providing RC213V machines to LCR this year (Alex Marquez and Takaaki Nakagami).

“First, I would like to express my respect and gratitude to Carmelo Ezpeleta and everyone at Dorna Sports for their hard work in organizing races during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Noriaki Abe, Managing Officer of Motorcycle Operations for Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

"I am very pleased that we have renewed our contract to compete in MotoGP from 2022 to 2026. Honda has been competing in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship since 1959, and won its 800th grand prix last year.

"Honda believes MotoGP racing is vital to our motorsports activities. MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing – it allows us to develop various technologies, and through fierce competition, teach our engineers and nurture their skills.

"With these engineers working on the development of production vehicles, Honda can create better products for its customers. Honda will continue to bring dreams and joy to its customers worldwide through its motorsports activities, including MotoGP.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, added: “This important announcement brings great pride to MotoGP because Honda is one of the first names that comes to our mind when we think about motorcycling racing.

"The Japanese manufacturer has been such an important part of the past, present and future of the FIM MotoGP World Championship and this renewal reinforces, even more, the commitment between both parties.”

Yamaha, Suzuki and Aprilia are also expected to extend their MotoGP contracts.

Gresini and LCR are the only Independent teams to have officially announced they are staying until the end of 2026, but Tech3 is also thought to have already signed.