Yamaha and Monster Energy extend World Superbike relationship into 2011

Following a successful 2010 season where Monster Energy became the ‘Official Energy Drink Supplier’ for the Yamaha World Superbike Team, the relationship has been extended for the new season. The 2011 team sees new rider pairing Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty both sporting strong Monster Energy branding on their helmets and as the team’s relationship strengthens the YZF-R1 race bikes of Melandri and Laverty will also now carry subtle M-claw logos on their fairings. Monster Energy will continue to have a strong presence in the Yamaha World Superbike Team hospitality. Monster Energy continues to drive a global fanbase by supporting action sports, motorsports and music. Its commitment to 2 wheel motorsports includes Motocross, Supercross, Superbikes and MotoGP plus relationships with some of its greatest athletes. Its action sports roots are unmistakable and the brand continues to work with awesome talent across skate, bmx, surf, FMX and many more sports besides. Having arrived on European shores in 2008, Monster Energy is continuing to grow at speed outside of its US base and brings an unmistakably fresh and fun loving approach to the scenes it supports.

The hugely successful relationship between Yamaha Motor Europe and Monster Energy is now entering its fourth year in World Motocross, in 2011 no less than six Monster Energy Yamaha riders will be challenging for world titles in both the MX1 and MX2 world championships. Yamaha World Superbike team supported by Monster Energy – - Marco Melandri (Italy, YZF-R1) - Eugene Laverty (Northern Ireland, YZF-R1) Yamaha Monster Energy team in World Motocross – - David Philippaerts (Italy, MX1 class, YZ450FM) - Steven Frossard (France, MX1 class, YZ450FM) - Anthony Boissière (France, MX1 class, YZ450FM) - Gautier Paulin (France, MX2 class, YZ250FM) - Harri Kullas (Finland, MX2 class, YZ250FM) - Christophe Charlier (France, MX2 class, YZ250FM) In the MotoGP World Championship the Yamaha Tech3 Team continues its partnership with Monster Energy this season and alongside Colin Edwards takes on MotoGP rookie Cal Crutchlow who was also supported by Monster Energy last year when riding the Yamaha YZF-R1 in World Superbike.

About Monster Energy The no.1 by-volume sales energy drink in the United States, Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it Superbikes, MotoGP, Formula 1, supermoto, skis, boards, snowmobiles, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, off-road, trial, FMX, skate, MTB, wake, surf, snow, BMX - name it - the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types - Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Ripper, Monster Khaos, available in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Monaco, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, South Africa and UAE. The Monster Energy-backed riders putting it on the line dig 'em - so will you. Check us on the Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com.

Photography of the new Yamaha World Superbike Team Monster Energy branded YZF-R1 race bikes and riders Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty are now available for download at www.yamaha-racing.com/gallery