Yamaha Names Monster Energy Title Sponsor For MotoGP Team

Yamaha confirmed Monster Energy will be its new title sponsor in MotoGP from the '19 season as part of a multi-year agreement, according to Jamie Klein of MOTORSPORT. Monster replaces outgoing sponsor Movistar, which has "backed Yamaha's factory machines" since the '14 season. The team will be officially renamed "Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team" in '19. Although not confirmed, the "new tie-up means Yamaha's pair of works M1 could switch from a mostly dark blue design to a largely black livery similar to that used by satellite team Tech 3." Factory Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales are "already both sponsored by Monster," while Jorge Lorenzo -- who will move from Ducati to Honda next season -- is "set to cut his ties with the brand due to his new employer's ties with Red Bull" (MOTORSPORT, 7/17).