Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo, astronauts for a day

In 1969, man first set foot on the moon. In that same year, Repsol began sponsoring motorsport. Space Center Houston, a leading science and space exploration learning center, and the Spanish multi-energy company are both celebrating 50 years of achievement with the visit from Repsol Honda Team riders Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo.

The Repsol Honda Team riders explored a number of exhibitions and areas related to space, and even tried on the astronaut gloves used in different missions coordinated from Houston. The riders were also able to get a close look at a historic Saturn V rocket, which traveled approximately 115 times faster than their MotoGP Honda bike to escape the earth’s atmosphere.

Innovation and technology are both priorities to Repsol, which has found in competitive motorsport an ideal test bench over the last 50 years. On March 20, Repsol and Space Center Houston signed an agreement that reflects the commitment of both companies to promote innovation and inspire people to pursue careers in STEM areas.

Marquez and Lorenzo, who will tomorrow begin practice sessions for the GP of the Americas, were welcomed and given a tour of Space Center Houston by its president and CEO, William T. Harris. The visit served to highlight Repsol’s commitment to the project that supports Space Center Houston’s education programs which is aligned with the company’s strategy to provide authentic learning experiences and inspire youth.