MotoGP: Marc Marquez and Joan Mir unveil 2023 Repsol Honda RC213V livery

Marc Marquez and Joan Mir have unveiled the 2023 Repsol Honda RC213V livery in a special presentation held in Madrid.

This year’s design, both livery and machine, was revealed to members of the press, special guests and fans at Repsol’s headquarters.

The livery remains largely the same as last season, which was given a slight makeover due to the dramatic changes to the bike itself. It’s a similar story this year, with the traditional orange, white and red design tweaked to fit the new fairings, air intake and frame of the RC213V.

A big change for 2023 is the change from orange to red wheels, whilst a blue Honda Racing strip can be found beneath the seat. The HRC-Repsol partnership is one of the most iconic in motorsport, dating back to 1995 and achieving 15 premier class titles.

The new bike includes the tail unit winglets first introduced by Ducati at the British Grand Prix last season, with two on either side. There’s also a new exhaust system from Akrapovič following a new multi-year agreement with the Slovenian manufacturer, ending the team’s partnership with SC-Project.

It’s been a difficult few years since Marc Marquez initially broke his humerus at the opening round in 2020. Since then, Marquez has undergone four operations on his arm due to complications, and has also suffered from two bouts of double vision following big crashes.

Honda failed to record a single victory in during the 2020 and 2022 seasons, and secured just two podiums last year. Marquez, Pol Espargaro, Alex Marquez and Takaaki Nakagami have all struggled onboard the RC213V.

With another big redesign and Marquez seemingly back to 100% physically, HRC will hope that their fortunes change in 2023.

“The bike looks great again this year,” Marquez said. “I am really looking forward to riding in full Repsol Honda Team colours again at the Portugal Test. It’s great to be here with the whole Repsol family who have been with me and the team for such a long time.

“It will be an important test in Portimao, as we have some work to do, but the engineers have been working hard in Japan. I am eager to keep working and get this season started, I am feeling fit and ready to go racing.”

Marquez is joined in the factory team by 2020 World Champion Joan Mir following Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP. Mir’s arrival means that there will be a fluorescent yellow race number on the front of a Repsol Honda for the first time Since Valentino Rossi in 2003.

Being Marc Marquez’s teammate comes with its challenges; The last Repsol Honda rider to win a race other than him was Dani Pedrosa in 2017. Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Marquez and Pol Espargaro all failed to win a race in the famous Repsol colours.

Mir struggled for form in 2022 following Suzuki’s announcement and also suffered with injuries throughout the latter stages. The Spaniard still only has one victory in the premier class.

“It feels incredible to wear the full Repsol Honda Team colours for the first time and to show off the latest version of the Honda RC213V,” Mir said. “It’s such an honour to join this iconic team and my focus is to deliver the best results possible, what is expected when you join a team such as this.

“We’ve made good progress already in Sepang and we still have time to prepare in Portugal, we keep working and we keep improving.”

Mir will be reunited with former Suzuki Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi this year following Takeo Yokoyama’s departure from Repsol Honda at the end of last season. Mir ended the Sepang Test 12^th overall and only 0.2s behind Marquez, who tested four different versions of the RC213V across the three days.

“It’s not the bike I need to win the championship,” Marquez said regarding the bike which picked as the best of the bunch. The six-time premier class champion ended the test 0.777s off the pace.

One more test remains for Marquez and Mir ahead of the season opener. Portimao is the host of both events, with the test taking place on March 11-12. Round one takes place at the Portuguese circuit on March 24-26.