Monster to become Aprilia's title sponsor in MotoGP from Italian GP

Motorsport photo Monster Energy is set to become Aprilia's title sponsor in MotoGP from next week's Italian Grand Prix, Motorsport. com can confirm. The Noale factory has dominated the start of the 2026 season, winning four out of the six grands prix so far, with Marco Bezzecchi winning the opening three races and Jorge Martin triumphing at Le Mans.

However, Aprilia remains one of the few teams on the grid without a title sponsor - something that will change with immediate effect as Monster strikes an agreement with the squad For the moment, the contract will run till the end of the season, but with a commitment to extend the agreement beyond 2026. For Aprilia, the move is an important cash injection, but above all a guarantee of stability in the short and medium term. In addition, it so happens that championship leader Bezzecchi has a personal contract with Monster, which will undoubtedly create many opportunities for activations between the brand, the rider and the team.

Also, as is known, Francesco Bagnaia will join Aprilia in 2027 as Bezzecchi’s team-mate. The current Ducati rider also has a personal contract with Monster, hence the agreement between the drinks company and Aprilia having scope beyond 2026. Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing Team Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing Team This gives the impression that the move has been brought forward, since it is not common for a team to find a main sponsor with the season already underway, especially at the budget level, which are usually closed from one year to the next.

The operation is also understood in light of the possibility that the American brand may reduce its presence at Yamaha after their current contract expires at the end of the year. This would allow it to focus its efforts on Aprilia and Ducati, where it is a co-sponsor, even though Marc Marquez has put his agreement with Red Bull on pause and has not joined the roster of Monster riders. The impact on Martin The news puts Martin in a very delicate situation, since the Spaniard is a Red Bull rider, a direct competitor to Monster.