Aprilia Racing is set to enter a new commercial era, with Monster Energy confirmed as the factory team's first title sponsor starting from the 2027 MotoGP season. The landmark agreement, finalized during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, marks a significant shift in the series' sponsorship landscape.
The partnership represents a major milestone for Aprilia, which has never previously carried a title sponsor across its decades-long Grand Prix history. The Noale-based manufacturer's ascent from midfield contender to championship leader — currently leading both the riders' and constructors' standings with Jorge Martin — has made it an increasingly attractive proposition for global brands.
For Monster Energy, the move to Aprilia comes at the cost of its previous arrangement with Yamaha Racing. While the energy drink giant will continue its relationship with the Iwata-based manufacturer beyond 2026, its MotoGP commitment will be downgraded from title sponsor to main sponsor. The change leaves Yamaha searching for a potential new title partner to fill the gap.
Elsewhere in the paddock, stability prevails among the remaining factory outfits. Ducati Lenovo will maintain its existing structure, with both Lenovo and Monster Energy remaining on board for 2027. Ducati racing director Mauro Grassilli confirmed to SPEEDWEEK.com: “We have a contract, a very positive relationship, and it is 100 percent certain that we will race with Monster in 2027 too.” This puts to rest speculation that Red Bull’s motocross partnership with Ducati in the United States could spill over into MotoGP.
At KTM, Red Bull’s status as title sponsor has been locked in. The Austrian manufacturer will continue under the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing banner as it prepares for the 850cc regulation change. Honda meanwhile will retain Castrol as its main sponsor for at least the 2027 season, though the oil company remains a principal backer rather than a title sponsor — a status Honda has not held since ending its 30-year partnership with Repsol in 2024.
The reshuffling of sponsorship hierarchies comes as MotoGP prepares for a sweeping technical overhaul in 2027, including the switch from 1000cc to 850cc engines, new aerodynamic regulations, a ban on ride-height devices, and the introduction of Pirelli as sole tyre supplier alongside a major rider market reshuffle.
Sources
- https://www.speedweek.com/a/motogp/neue-und-alte-partnerschaften-fuer-2027-die-titelsponsoren-der-motogp-werke/
