Repsol Honda has launched its livery for the upcoming 2019 MotoGP World Championship at the squad’s headquarters in Madrid, Spain, where current riders Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo were joined by former champions Mick Doohan and Alex Criville in the presentation.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Repsol Honda recognised its history with past and present machines on hand, from the Honda NSR500 of Doohan and Criville to the RC213V of Marquez and now Lorenzo, detailing incredible statistics of HRC machines that have taken 168 victories in the premier class, 14 world championships and 427 podiums.

Reigning champion Marquez will now begin his final preparations for the Sepang test 6-8 February after undergoing shoulder surgery, where he and the RC213V will debut the 2019 livery for the first time on track.

“It is a privilege to be part of the family that is the Repsol Honda team,” said Marquez. “When I was young and when I watched races from the sofa at my house I wanted to be here wearing these colours. It was a privilege to start collaborating with Repsol and have their support in the Spanish Championship and, later, to work with them in the world championship.

“And now I’m here, helping Repsol and Honda win more titles, making their history even more successful. It’s something that makes me very happy. When I was in Moto2 I knew that I wanted to ride for Repsol Honda and I wanted to win the MotoGP title.

“That’s why, when journalists ask me if I’m going to change teams, I think: why would I change if I’m already part of this incredible team? Here we are a family, the relationship with Repsol and Honda is fantastic and this is something very important for achieving our goals, year after year. I hope that by the end of 2019 we can celebrate something beautiful together.”

Repsol Honda newcomer Lorenzo is set to commence an intense physical therapy routine in order to be as fit as possible for the Qatar test 23-25 February after fracturing his wrist in a training incident.

“Repsol Honda are on a different level in every way,” explained Lorenzo. “I could see it at the Valencia test, when I had many people around me listening to what I was saying. It is a dream for any rider to be part of this team. I am very demanding on myself and always try to get the best out of each situation.

“I want to repay the team for all the trust they have given me with good results. I am very proud to be on a team with as many victories and as much history as Repsol Honda. I like the bike a lot, it turns in very well and is very docile.

“In addition, the team gave me a very warm welcome from my first day here. My main objective for 2019 is, first of all, to recover 100 percent and be able to demonstrate on track that we really are the dream team that people are talking about.”

The MotoGP World Championship will officially commence on 10 March at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.