Repsol extends sponsor deal with Honda MotoGP team

The Spanish oil giant's logos have adorned Honda's works machines since 1995, with the upcoming 2017 season set to mark the 23rd in succession for the iconic Repsol Honda partnership.

While the latest agreement had been due to expire at the end of next year, now it has been confirmed that the association will continue until at least the end of the 2018 season.

"We are delighted with the renewal of the agreement with our title sponsor Repsol through the end of 2018," said HRC General Manager Tetsuhiro Kuwata. "This year we celebrated together our 12th MotoGP World Title in 22 years of collaboration, an amazing achievement in the history of the motorcycle World Championship.

"This record demonstrates the great value of this partnership which, in addition to including a great sponsorship agreement, has also benefitted us with crucial technological development.

"We are proud to continue working with Repsol through 2018 and hopefully many more years beyond!"

Since joining forces with Repsol, Honda has won 500cc/MotoGP riders' titles with Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez. The team has also won 151 races and claimed 392 podium finishes in the premier class.

Marquez and Dani Pedrosa will continue to comprise the team's rider line-up until the end of 2018.