Independent French team will run M-Claw logo on their Yamaha YZR-M1s in MotoGP World Championship CORONA, Calif., (Mar. 3, 2009) The Tech 3 Yamaha Team will be powered by Monster Energy in 2009 and 2010 after the energy drink brand penned an agreement with the private MotoGP team to become their title sponsor for at least the next two seasons. Former World Superbike champions Colin Edwards and James Toseland, who continue as the teams riders in 2009, will see their latest version Yamaha YZR-M1s liveried with the famous Monster Energy M-Claw logo. Thanks to the battling performances of the American and the Briton, Tech 3 Yamaha finished an impressive fourth in last seasons MotoGP Teams World Championship. Under the guidance of experienced team boss Hervé Poncharal, the team took two podium finishes and a further 11 top-six finishes to make them MotoGP’s top independent team in 2008. Having already sealed a personal sponsorship deal with reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi recently, Monster Energy continue their global push with the support of one of the sport’s most experienced outfits. Already the number one by-volume sales energy drink in the USA, support of the French team will help its growth across the rest of the world and particularly in Europe – where MotoGP is one of the most highly prized events on the sporting calendar. Monster Energy President, Mark Hall, explained the reasons behind the company’s decision to extend their commitment to the sport, “Both Colin and James have built huge followings throughout their careers and they are extremely popular riders, so Monster Energy is pleased to become part of their continued efforts through our partnership with the Tech 3 Yamaha team for the upcoming ’09 MotoGP season. Tech 3 has a highly successful track record as one of MotoGP’s premier teams and will provide a solid platform for Monster Energy as we continue to develop our brand image globally.” At the head of the Tech 3 team since its conception in 1989, and having taken the team to World Championship success in the 250 class in 2000, Poncharal admits the new deal has excited the whole squad. “It’s great to be linked with a growing brand such as Monster Energy, which has such a strong image and a big profile. Monster are very keen to support MotoGP and I’m sure that our partnership will prove to be very successful. The 2009 Yamaha package with the Bridgestone tyres has looked extremely promising in pre-season tests so far. Our aims are to go even better than in 2008, and thanks to this agreement we are highly motivated to do so.” MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3 are currently testing at the Losail circuit in Qatar where the MotoGP World Championship will kick-off with the night-time Grand Prix of Qatar, which runs under floodlights on the evening of April 12th.