The Monster Energy-backed livery of the 2019 Yamaha MotoGP bike has been revealed in a lunch event in Jakarta, Indonesia.
After the deal with Movistar coming to an end in 2018, Yamaha moved on with Monster Energy as its new title sponsor and the new Yamaha YZR-M1 was launched in a special event in Indonesia with the riders and team management present in attendance.
Not only the livery but also the overalls has changed to black – the colour of Monster Energy cans – with a hint of blue staying on from its previous machines. The overalls of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales is changed as well.
“The team presentation is always an event that I enjoy,” said Rossi. “It is the first time that we can show off our full package for the new season and, most importantly, this event signals that the start of the preseason is close.
“I’ve taken a bit of time to relax and train these last couple of months, but, like the fans, I’ve mostly been looking forward to starting the new season. The upcoming test in Sepang is very important, because it’s the first opportunity for the team to get together to try everything Yamaha has been working on over the winter.
“Our performance improved towards the end of last season, but we want and need to make some more big steps, so we need to get to work. I’m happy that Monster Energy is joining our team in a new role this year.
“They have been Yamaha’s and my sponsor for a long time, so we know each other well and we share the same passion for racing, which is important. I’m sincerely looking forward to the new season and to riding again, I want to get back aboard my M1.
“I feel as good and determined as ever, nothing changed in that area, and I believe that, with some hard work, we can improve upon last year and be back on top.”
Vinales added: “We are here in Jakarta to start the new season. This year’s team presentation was very special, because there are many changes compared to last year. The most noticeable of course are the new team colours and the bike livery.
“As soon as I saw it, I couldn’t help but feel excited to start the new season. It will be a completely fresh start for all of us: new title sponsor, new team colours, and for me a new rider number.
“It all came together very nicely, so now all we have to do is get the preseason underway! The winter months were a good opportunity to prepare for 2019 season. I had some time to relax and reflect, but a good part was spent training, so I’m ready to start riding my M1 again.
“We ended last year’s season stronger than we started, so it will be important to keep that momentum going as we prepare for the first race in Qatar in April. Our first chance to see where we stand is at the Sepang Test in a few days’ time.
“I’m looking forward to it, because I have high expectations for this year. My motivation hasn’t changed, and I plan on going all out this season – ‘Beast Mode On’!”
The factory bike’s livery is revealed after its new satellite outfit, Petronas Yamaha SRT, which is backed by the Sepang International Circuit was launched last week in Malaysia with Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo doing the honours.
Time to start the 2019 season! @mvkoficial12 and his Yamaha YZR-M1 are ready for action.#BeastModeOn | #MonsterYamaha | #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/eoLSmkHmq5
— Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) February 4, 2019
The bond between @ValeYellow46 and his Yamaha YZR-M1 is undeniable.#BeastModeOn | #MonsterYamaha | #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/2IhJ3kVw6o
— Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) February 4, 2019
2019 launches so far: