Honda: 60 years of challenges in the MotoGP

The sporting history of Honda in MotoGP continues from 60 years. A long line of memories, exploits, states of mind that the Japanese company celebrates, remembering what happened and the protagonists who undertook a long-lasting and functional sporting mission from that distant time 3 June of the 1959.

Sixty years to celebrate

There are various events to commemorate the important anniversary, even in events such as Suzuka 8 Hours and the stage of MotoGP in Japan. But already today, on the occasion of the Dutch stage in Assen, one is scheduled “WGP 60th Anniversary Ceremony”, i.e. the World Grand Prix, recalling the first participation in the Tourist trophy ofIsle of Man. Present are well-known faces and authoritative presences such as President of the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), Jorge Viegas; the CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta; the winner of the German GP way back in '61 and also the first Japanese to achieve success in the MotoGP, Kunimitsu Takahashi. But there are also well-known motorcycling champions starting from Freddie spencer who became the youngest 500 class champion in 1983, and double winner in 250 and 500 in 1985; Therefore Mick doohan, five-time world champion in the then top category from 1994 to 1998; therefore the current faces of the Team Repsol Honda Team, the pilot Marc Márquez and the Director of Race Operations Tetsuhiro Kuwata.
As anticipated RC213V MotoGP they are equipped with a celebratory logo that recalls the 60 anniversary of the House. The same goes for the specimens Fireblade engaged in the series SBK and the motorcycles of World Endurance to the Suzuka 8 Hours, also extended to other racing models involved in various competitive disciplines. A particular characterization also for the motorbikes lined up in the class Moto3 of the Team Honda Asia, equipped with a livery that recalls the colors of the historic one RC143 of the 1961. Finally, on June 30th there will also be some demonstration laps of a replica of the original RC142 who competed right at the TT ofIsle of Man entrusted to the veteran Kunimitsu Takahashi, as well as one NSR500 conducted by Mick doohan. The celebrations also continue at Goodwood Festival of Speed scheduled from 4 al 7 July, always taking up the advances reported.

The origins

As mentioned, this story begins from afar 3 June 1959, that is, since Honda became the first Japanese company to take part in the famous (already then) Tourist trophy ofIsle of Man. Then Junzo Suzuki, Naomi Taniguchi, Giichi Suzuki e Teisuke Tanaka they led theirs RC142 for competition in 125 class. This long history of progress and comparisons began sixty years ago, although we need to take a few steps back and go back to 1954 when the founder Soichiro Honda confirmed his intention to compete at the TT ofIsle of Man, present at the time FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (WGP). Then the top flight. Five years of development before the actual debut.
The construction versatility of Honda is not confined to motorbikes alone, as the house resembles as in 1964 Ronnie Bucknum, aboard one RA271, participated in the German Grand Prix di formula 1. Another field of experimentation and growth for the manufacturer of Rising Sun..

Photo: Honda