Honda celebrates 50 years of GP racing

Honda is celebrating its history with GP racing this weekend at the Twin Ring Motegi round of the MotoGP series, its home race. It has now been racing at the top level of two-wheeled motorsport for five whole decades.

Honda first participated in the 125cc class in the Isle of Man TT, and claimed victory two years later. It entered the pinnacle of classes at the Isle in 1966, in the 500cc class. 

The RC181 you see in the photo above claimed victory in its debut at the German Grand Prix. As if that wasn't enough, it had a lead of 26 seconds at the chequered flag. Honda won the championship that year, winning five of nine races. 

Honda's current trophy cabinet houses 277 wins in the top class of motorcycle racing (both 500cc and MotoGP) after Marc Marquez's recent win at Aragon. Honda has also won 38 rider and constructor's titles. 

Last year, Dani Pedrosa took victory in an exciting race where he caught up with and then surpassed all the competition the second half of the race. We're sure Honda is looking forward to a similar result this time around, but hopefully with both riders at the front.