Honda Racing Corporation celebrates60 years in the premier classunveils a four-rider lineup to compete inMotoGP2026
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), stated that they are celebrating60 years of HRCin the premier class by officially launching their racing team for the 2026 MotoGP season, with the mission to reclaim greatness on the world stage with the Honda RC213V bike.
He said, “We are very pleased to introduce the Honda HRC Castrol racing team for the 2026 season. The highlight this year is our return to the top of the MotoGP World Championship. It is a special moment as it coincides with HRC’s 60th anniversary.
Since our first participation in the premier class, we look forward to celebrating this historic milestone throughout 2026. Everyone in the team wants to be involved, as do all our partners. I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed.”
“However, our goalthis season is very clear: to consistently fight at the front. Luca Marini has demonstrated stability and sharp technical insight, while the dedication and patience of Joan Mir inspire us all. I also want to commend Castrol for their efforts, as our collaboration continues to strengthen.”
For the factory Honda HRC Castrol team, Joan Mir, the 2020 world champion from Spain, will race with bike number 36, paired with Italian teammate Luca Marini, who will ride bike number 10.
The satellite Honda LCR team, announced a day earlier, includes veteran French rider Johann Zarco with bike number 5, alongside rookie Brazilian Diogo Moreira, competing in MotoGP for the first time with bike number 11.
The Honda riders are scheduled for the first official MotoGP 2026 test from 3-5 February at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia beforetraveling for their final testat Chang International Circuit in Buriram on 21-22 February, ahead of the season opener at the Thailand Grand Prix from 27 February to 1 March.