The Tokyo manufacturer holds the absolute record for triumphs in the premier class. No competitor can boast these numbers.
Honda is in the premier class of the MotoGP as Ferrari is in Formula 1. The scenario of challenges on two wheels has always been characterized by Italian manufacturers, until only rival Japanese manufacturers take the lead. The birth of the Tokyo myth is due to Sochiro Honda, who after having made it big in the Automotive industry, founded the Honda Technical Research Institute in October 1946, which later became known as the Honda Motor Company.
Japan, after the Second World War, emerged with broken bones, but with the desire to return to being a global superpower. The Japanese must be recognized for their technical and inventive ability which is second to none of us Italians. In Tokyo they set themselves the goal of becoming the first manufacturers in the world and with a more exasperated labor policy than ours they managed to excel on the market, as well as in Motorsport.
Honda has also become the point of reference in F1 with the collaboration with Red Bull Racing. In the world of two wheels, the story began in 1959, the year in which the Japanese company took to the track for the first time on the starting line of the Tourist Trophy. The first success came just two years later. During the 1960s he entered the MotoGP world championship, managing to obtain world titles in all classes.
Honda’s record triumphs
The partnership with the Spanish oil giant Repsol was among the most successful ever. The triumphs of Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez in the premier class have punctuated the passion of several generations of enthusiasts. Riding the NSR500, Dhooan won 5 world titles in a row in the 500 class. Then it was Valentino Rossi’s turn to celebrate Honda’s last world title on the NSR500. The transition to MotoGP brought the technical quality of the Tokyo cars even more to the fore.
Honda’s history in MotoGP has been full of triumphs and immortal champions. Overall, 72 constructors’ world titles and 62 drivers’ awards were achieved. Now Honda has fallen into a very deep crisis, even more exacerbated by the farewell of Marc Marquez. Luca Marini, Valentino Rossi’s younger brother, was selected as heir. Historical courses and recurrences of a MotoGP that will see, sooner or later, a dominant Honda like in the old days.
