Tech 3 Yamaha confirms Monster deal

James Toseland and Colin Edwards will have Monster sponsorship on their Tech 3 Yamaha bikes in 2009 and 2010, as was exclusively revealed by MCN a month ago.

The American energy drink giant has signed a title sponsorship deal with the French-based squad, which will run British rider Toseland and Texan Edwards for the second successive season in 2009. The team will be branded Monster Yamaha Tech 3.

Monster has turned to Tech 3, which finished top independent team in last year’s world championship, following the collapse of Kawasaki’s factory MotoGP, which Monster had signed to support again in 2009.

Monster backed Kawasaki’s factory team in a deal tied in with American rider John Hopkins. And bosses don’t want Monster to lose its position in the MotoGP market, despite the global economic crisis.

Monster Energy President, Mark Hall said: “Both Colin and James have built huge followings throughout their careers and they are extremely popular riders, so Monster Energy is pleased to become part of their continued efforts through our partnership with the Tech 3 Yamaha team for the upcoming ‘09 MotoGP season.

“Tech 3 has a highly successful track record as one of MotoGP’s premier teams and will provide a solid platform for Monster Energy as we continue to develop our brand image globally.”

The new Tech 3 livery featuring the famous Monster ‘M’ claw will be unveiled at the final pre-season test session at the Jerez circuit in Spain later this month (March 28/29).

The company recently signed a personal sponsorship deal with reigning world champion Valentino Rossi and the Italian now carries the famous green ‘M’ logo on his paddock cap and he has stickers on either side of his AGV helmet.

Tech 3 team manager Herve Poncharal said he was delighted with the deal and added: “It’s great to be linked with a growing brand such as Monster Energy, which has such a strong image and a big profile.

“Monster are very keen to support MotoGP and I’m sure that our partnership will prove to be very successful. The 2009 Yamaha package with the Bridgestone tyres has looked extremely promising in pre-season tests so far.

“Our aims are to go even better than in 2008, and thanks to this agreement we are highly motivated to do so.”