Andrew McLarneyMotoGP Reporter
Andrew McLarney is an accredited MotoGP reporter with four years experience as a professional writer across the sports and video game industries. His experience as a K1 Premier League competitor evolved into a fascination with all forms of combat sport and eventually motorsport — with MotoGP becoming his primary focus. On top of that he is also an avid follower of MXGP and AMA Supercross/Motocross.
Monster Energy is set to become Aprilia's title sponsor from as soon as next week's Italian Grand Prix. The partnership would represent a huge milestone for the team who are currently without a mainline title sponsor.
According to a report from Motorsport.com, the long-awaited deal could be implemented as early as the next race in Mugello, which will be a home race for the Italian-based factory. While the deal has been expected for some time due to the extended signing of Marco Bezzecchi and the impending arrival of fellow Monster Energy-sponsored 2x World Champion Francesco Bagnaia.
So far, Aprilia have been the dominant force in MotoGP in 2026, winning four of the opening six races and scoring consistent podiums with both the factory and satellite teams.
The move would be a major power-play for Aprilia and establish them as one of the 'big dogs' in MotoGP one and for all. While many expected the move to take place from 2027 onwards, it seems that the signing has been brought forward to take place with immediate effect.
Aprilia riders Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi (Photo: Red Bull Content Pool)
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As for current rider Jorge Martin, who is currently a Red Bull sponsored athlete, it is not clear how this deal might impact his personal sponsorship. It could be the case that he wears a Red Bull helmet along with a Monster Energy bike, but it would be quite unprecedented and it seems unlikely that both energy drink competitors would agree to this.
Alternatively, Martin could be forced to terminate his Red Bull sponsorship and lose out on money - a move which would certainly not go down well given how Martin has already fallen out with the team on several occasions.
'Monster Energy and Yamaha split after decade-long partnership'
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Elsewhere, as reported by GP Blog earlier in the year, Yamaha could be set to terminate their long-term sponsoship deal with Monster Energy. Read all about the rumoured departure here.
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