Team Suzuki Ecstar will be adorned with an ‘impactful presence’ from the prominent Monster Energy brand after securing the company as its sponsor for the 2021 MotoGP season.
The Japanese firm has run with no significant backing beyond its internal funding since returning to the MotoGP fray in 2016, but in the wake of its shock title win with Joan Mir in 2020, the outfit has found itself in demand.
As such, Monster Energy - which rivals Red Bull for brand presence in motorsport - will join forces with Suzuki in 2021. To date the team has title sponsored the Tech 3 Yamaha team before providing title backing for the Yamaha Factory Team.
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT REVIEW
Rodney Sacks, chairman and CEO of Monster Energy Company, said: "Having spent the last two years supporting both Alex and Joan as they raced for the team with great success, it is a very natural progression to come on board as an official partner.
"2020 has been an exceptional year for everyone connected with the team and we’re looking forward to continuing the astonishing journey that Suzuki and their riders have already taken fans on in MotoGP.
"The 2021 MotoGP season can’t come soon enough for any of us.”
Provided Monster Energy provides the same level of backing as it has at Yamaha, the move could well see Suzuki come good on its intention to expand to an additional satellite team.
The manufacturer has made clear its desire to have four bikes on the grid but has so far been hampered by financial constraints and a commitment to focus on its two factory entries.
