MotoGP team will have Malaysian energy drink as new main sponsor
The Aspar Team will once again be expanding its operation in MotoGP for 2014, with a new project which features an international flavour. Adding to the team’s Spanish roots and an American and Japanese rider combination, the premier class outfit will be incorporating a new Malaysian main sponsor: DRIVE M7. Part of Mutiara Motors group, DRIVE M7 is an energy drink brand which has had a presence in its home continent since 2011. Now it looks to make gradual expansion into the Asian, European and North American market. The Aspar Team continues a progressive internationalisation process, with a real revolution in 2014.
After establishing itself in the MotoGP/CRT class over the past two seasons, the Aspar Team has an even more competitive project in place for 2014 and the new Open Class concept put in place for the top level of Grand Prix racing. The new Honda RCV1000R and former World Champions Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama are the new lineup, which will begin preseason testing shortly. The new team colours will be the green, silver and black of DRIVE M7.
The DRIVE M7 brand has a long history of sporting collaboration, in disciplines such as Formula V6, Drift, Japan GT300 and GT500. The move to MotoGP as main sponsor of the Aspar Team –soon to be named DRIVE M7 Aspar Team- is another step forward for the company. M7 a company renowned for its production of some of the best international car performance products. DRIVE M7 is scientifically formulated and tested to provide maximum power and endurance to its consumers.
Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ (CEO): “We have had a very special moment this week, with the confirmation that the Aspar Team and Drive M7 will collaborate next season. It is very positive for us to receive the support of a large international company like Drive M7 –above all in such an important year, with an enormous change planned for the Aspar Team project. In 2014 we have a new, more ambitious, challenge ahead. We are changing bike, changing our riders to two former world champions and introducing a new main sponsor. Both those in charge of Drive M7 and ourselves are delighted with this alliance, and are sure that it will be a long-lasting one. We hope to be able to match Drive M7 with our sporting success and image, doing everything within our powers. Also in terms of European expansion, we wish to aid Drive M7. Aspar Team would like to thank the Drive M7 family for their unconditional support.”
Mokhtar Datuk Ahmad (Managing Director): “We feel very happy to be joining forces with the largest private team in MotoGP –a structure directed by a multiple world champion in Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’. We are convinced that this alliance will be very important, because both parties share objectives. We don’t only see the Aspar Team project as a matter of sponsorship, but as a coming together of two great entities with common interests. We are delighted to have two former world champions in Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama as part of the project, and they will surely give us plenty to talk about over the coming season. We would like to underline the importance of our agreement once again; it is a very big year for our country, Malaysia, which will celebrate an international tourism expansion project under the Visit Malaysia 2014 banner this year.”