Monster replaces Movistar as Yamaha title sponsor

Monster Energy will replace Movistar as title sponsor at the factory Yamaha MotoGP team of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales, from 2019.

Movistar, which also holds the live MotoGP TV rights in Spain, has been main sponsor since 2014, but will give way to the energy drinks brand in a multi-year agreement.

Monster currently has a smaller share of the factory M1 fairing, alongside title sponsorship of the satellite Tech3 Yamaha team.

However, Tech3 is moving to KTM machinery next season and gaining backing from rival energy drink company Red Bull.

Jorge Lorenzo will also need to swap personal Monster sponsorship for Red Bull, as part of his Repsol Honda deal.

The change in factory Yamaha title sponsor is expected to result in a darker livery on the M1s next season.

Meanwhile, the satellite Yamahas are set to run in Petronas colours, as part of the new Sepang International Circuit team.

The factory MotoGP title sponsorship sees Yamaha and Monster Energy complete closer ties in racing having already held deals in Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Motocross, MotoAmerica, FIM Motocross World Championship and Suzuka 8 Hours.

“We are delighted to have reached agreement with Monster Energy Company as the new title sponsor of our factory MotoGP team,” Lin Jarvis, Yamaha Motor Racing managing director, said. “The new partnership will provide Monster Energy with an even stronger presence in the MotoGP class – the pinnacle activity of the motorcycle racing world.

“With Monster Energy being a very dynamic brand that‘s extremely active all around the world, we expect that this collaboration will further enhance the exposure of both brands and also give us a great platform for marketing activities.

“The new agreement also signifies the intention of Yamaha and Monster Energy to further strengthen our collaboration for our global on-road and off-road motorsports programmes.”