Monster sponsors Yamaha satellite team

From motogp.com

Yamaha’s Tech 3 satellite team has reached a two-year title sponsorship agreement with energy drink brand Monster, which will see the squad rebranded as Monster Yamaha Tech 3 from the 2009 season onwards.

The team, headed by Herve Poncharal and running riders Colin Edwards and James Toseland, has been one of the more successful satellite efforts in recent seasons. The bikes will be decked out with the Monster Energy M-Claw logo, most recently placed on Yamaha factory rider Valentino Rossi’s helmet in a personal sponsorship deal.

“It’s great to be linked with a growing brand such as Monster Energy, which has such a strong image and a big profile,” said Poncharal of the agreement. “Monster are very keen to support MotoGP and I’m sure that our partnership will prove to be very successful. Our aims are to go even better than in 2008, and thanks to this agreement we are highly motivated to do so.”

The attraction of sponsoring the team was explained by Monster Energy President Mark Hall, with the personalities involved in the project giving strong pulling power to the project.

“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,” commented Hall.

“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.”