Oakley builds MotoGP ties with Honda deal

US eyewear brand Oakley has stepped up its involvement in the MotoGP motorcycling championship by agreeing a partnership with Honda Racing Corporation.

The two-season deal names Oakley as the official sunglasses partner of the Repsol Honda team in 2019 and 2020.

Each member of the team will now wear Oakley eyeglasses and mechanics working in the pit lane will be provided with helmets.

Already title sponsor to the Italian Grand Prix and an endorsement partner of Honda’s star rider Marc Marquez, Oakley now joins the sport’s most successful team as it chases its 16th riders’ championship.

The deal has been agreed ahead of the Grand Prix of the Americas, the third round of the 2019 season that takes place in Austin, Texas on April 14.

Ben Goss, global marketing director for Oakley, said: “Oakley athlete and reigning seven-time world champion Marc Marquez, has been part of the Oakley family since 2010, and with this partnership we will continue to support Marc’s successful career.”