Aspar shocked by Drive M7 exit

The Aspar MotoGP team is urgently seeking a new title sponsor after Drive M7 departed just days before the start of the new season.

"In February we invited them to make the first payment. They delayed until the end of February. Then at the beginning of March they said that they wouldn't continue," commented team principal Jorge Martinez 'Aspar', speaking in the Losail paddock a few hours before the first practice session of the season.

"It is a huge problem. Without a sponsor just days before the new season, but we are working really hard to have a new sponsor soon... It was really unexpected. There is no reason. They just left."

Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' speaks to the media about Drive M7 withdrawing title sponsorship. Qatar #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/eWn7BK9eT1-- Crash.net MotoGP (@crash_motogp) March 26, 2015

The Spaniard added: "The results of last year have not been good but that's not the reason for breaking the contract [now]. Last year in September the sponsor had the option to break the contract. There was an option for the team or the sponsor to end the contract then. It was a three-year contract starting last year and in 2014 everything was fine.

"The sponsor has told us to remove the logos... Now we are working [to find a replacement]. Next week I have many meeting with possible sponsors and we hope to have a new sponsor for Austin."

Drive M7, a Malaysian energy drink company, has signed on as title sponsor of the new Sepang Circuit Moto3 team. Aspar wasn't sure if that move is connected to their decision to end the MotoGP deal.

Nicky Hayden and Eugene Laverty will ride with 'Aspar' branding in place of Drive M7 on their Open class Hondas this weekend.

Nicky Hayden's Aspar Honda without Drive M7 branding. Qatar #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/gZJzyeOHkC-- Crash.net MotoGP (@crash_motogp) March 26, 2015