Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially unveiled a special livery to celebrate 60 years of premier class competition, set to debut at the Japanese MotoGP at Motegi this weekend. The design will adorn the RC213V machines of the factory riders and wildcard, marking a historic moment for the winged manufacturer.
For the home race, Honda's factory team will field a revised line-up. Luca Marini returns alongside Somkiat Chantra, who substitutes for the recovering Joan Mir. Chantra, who previously used Cal Crutchlow's #35 earlier this season, will run the #15 at Motegi. Additionally, Takaaki Nakagami will ride a fifth RC213V as a home wildcard, having also replaced Mir last time out in Austria.
Honda's Premier Class Legacy
The 60th anniversary celebration is rooted in history. Honda first entered the 500cc class in 1966 with the RC181. In its debut season, Mike Hailwood finished as runner-up behind Giacomo Agostini (MV Agusta). Teammate Jim Redman won the opening two races, giving Honda a total of five wins from nine rounds.
However, Honda withdrew from the 500cc class from 1968 until 1979. Their resurgence came in 1983 when Freddie Spencer secured the first of a record 21 premier-class titles. The most recent Honda MotoGP champion was Marc Marquez in 2019.
This special livery is more than just aesthetics; it symbolizes Honda's enduring legacy in motorcycle racing. Motegi provides the perfect stage to commemorate six decades of competition while showcasing Honda's commitment to the modern MotoGP era.
For fans, this is a rare opportunity to witness a machine bearing a historic design that may not be repeated anytime soon. The Japanese round will also test Honda's riders to perform competitively in front of their home crowd, despite the challenges this season.
With Chantra and Nakagami in the mix, Honda also offers Asian riders a chance to shine at the highest level. This aligns with the spirit of the 60th anniversary celebration, which is not only about the past but also about the future.
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