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

Monster Energy is set to become Aprilia's title sponsor in MotoGP from next week's Italian Grand Prix, Autosport can reveal.

The Noale factory has dominated the start of the 2026 season, winning four out of the six grands prix so far, with Marco Bezzecchi prevailing in 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 until 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

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

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 under way, especially at the budget level, which is usually closed from one year to the next.

The operation is also viewed 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 represents Red Bull, a direct competitor to Monster.

Autosport understands that Martin, who has a very close relationship with the Austrian drinks company, is exploring all the options open to him, among them leaving Red Bull and becoming a Monster rider - something that does not seem the most feasible right now. 

Another option would be, as Marquez did, to ‘pause’ his agreement with Red Bull, with the consequent economic damage, despite the rider’s entourage understanding that it is a great opportunity for Aprilia to secure a title sponsor - and that they will not place obstacles to this new relationship.