Toni Bou: "Knowing that everything is running smoothly and the bike will perform as expected, gives you peace of mind to give it your best."

Forty world titles. A figure that seemed impossible and that today sums up two decades of dominance, consistency, and evolution. Toni Bou continues to expand an extraordinary career after reaching a new milestone with Repsol Honda HRC, the team with which he won his first World Championship in 2007 and with whom, almost twenty years later, he is still competing with the same ambition.

But staying on top for so long requires constant evolution. So has the motorcycle, the technology, and every single product involved in his performance. In this interview, Bou looks back on the road to his 40th title and explains how precision, trust in the mechanics, and development work alongside Repsol Lubricants become essential allies when every minor detail can make a difference.

40 world titles. Are you aware of the scale of this achievement, or is it still hard to take it all in?

To be honest, it’s difficult to digest. When I started in 2007, it was unthinkable that I would ever reach 40 world titles. In the end, it’s been 20 years winning both championships, and I think the hardest part has been maintaining this level of consistency for so long. I’m very happy and, above all, very proud of all the work we’ve done to get to this point.

You won your first World Championship with Repsol Honda HRC and now your 40th as well. What has changed since the Toni of 2007, and what remains exactly the same?

A lot has changed. Now I have much more experience, I understand races better, and I’m much better at managing tough situations. Back in 2007 I was probably more explosive, whereas now I try to think things through a bit more. But one thing that hasn’t changed is my hunger to win. I still have the same ambition, and whenever I'm on the bike, I always want to do my best.

When you’ve been at the top level for so many years, has how you demand performance from the bike and the products you use changed?

Yes, a lot. Over the years, you get to know the bike much better and you’re able to pick up on details you might not have noticed before. At the end of the day, we’re always looking to improve, even if it’s just a little, because in our sport even the smallest detail can make a difference. I'm quite demanding with the team because I always believe we can find something more.

You’ve experienced nearly twenty years of bike evolution firsthand. Where do you notice the impact of product development, such as lubricants, the most today?

The evolution has been huge. Today’s bike is world apart from the one 20 years ago, and all the products have had to evolve alongside it. For me, the most important thing is consistent performance from start to finish in every race. We push the bike to its limits, and that consistency gives you a lot of confidence as a rider.

In trial, you need a virtually instantaneous response from the bike. What feedback lets you know that the lubricant is performing exactly as you need?

Above all, you notice it in the feel and response of the bike. In trial, we use the clutch a lot and we need high precision, so it’s crucial that the feel remains consistent. When you've been riding the same bike for so many years, you quickly notice if anything changes Having a consistent response allows you to trust the bike and focus solely on riding.

After so many years working together, to what extent do you feel Repsol products have evolved alongside you and your racing style?

I think we've all evolved together. Over the years, we’ve demanded more and more from the bike and from all the products we use. Competition is the best place to test things because we push everything to the limit and can provide feedback. After so many years working together, there’s a strong level of trust, which also helps us keep improving.

If you had to explain to a rider in a single thought why using a good lubricant matters, what would you tell them based on your experience after 40 titles?

Ultimately, it’s a vital component for keeping the engine running smoothly and ensuring long-term durability. We look for maximum performance because we compete on the edge, but for any rider I think the most important thing is to be able to trust the bike, take care of it and know everything is running properly.

What does it mean for you to get on the bike and not have to worry about whether the mechanics will perform?

It's crucial. When I'm in a section, I can't be wondering whether the bike is going to perform or not, I need full confidence in it. In the end, you have to be 100% focused on riding and clearing the section. Knowing that everything is running smoothly and the bike will perform as expected, gives you peace of mind to give it your best.