The partnership is something of a natural progression for the energy drink brand, as it looks to expand into the European market following a successful collaboration with Kawasaki's factory road racing and motocross teams in America.

"The partnership with Monster Energy is another important indicator that Kawasaki are now regarded as a real contender in the MotoGP World Championship, and not just in the racing paddock," declared Yoshio Kawamura, managing director of Kawasaki Motors Racing B.V. "The fact that we've been able to attract a leading, non-industry consumer brand to the team, and that Monster Energy will use their association with Kawasaki to spearhead their move into the European market, shows just how much progress we've made as a manufacturer since returning to the premier class in 2002. Monster Energy have had an incredibly successful partnership with Kawasaki in the United States, and we are looking forward to equal success as we take the same collaboration onto the world stage over the next two years."

The two-year partnership marks the first time that a major consumer brand has appeared on the side of Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machines since the Japanese factory returned to the premier-class, after an absence of more than two decades.

"If we've learnt one thing about Monster Energy since we started talking to them about this partnership it is that they share the same passion for racing that is endemic in Kawasaki," said Kawasaki's competition manager Michael Bartholemy. "And, of course, they have the same affinity for lime green; I guess you could say it's a perfect match.

"This is a major departure for the Kawasaki Racing Team, as the partnership with Monster Energy over the next two seasons will mean for the first time Kawasaki will feature an outside industry sponsor on the side of our Ninja ZX-RR machines. We have made big steps forward over the past 12 months, which is what attracted Monster Energy to Kawasaki in the first place, and I hope that if we can continue this forward momentum through the 2008 season then we will be able to persuade them to make the step up to title sponsor for 2009."

"Monster Energy enjoyed its first foray into the world of MotoGP this past season with John Hopkins and we were very pleased with the feedback we received – especially on an international basis," added John Lee, director of Sports Marketing at Monster Beverage Company. "We view MotoGP as the two-wheel equivalent to Formula One and Monster Energy's action sports marketing philosophy was built on a motorcycle racing foundation, particularly in American motocross and Monster Energy AMA Supercross. As we move forward with our international marketing efforts, involvement with MotoGP was a logical decision for us and we're looking forward to following Hopper's spectacular rides aboard the Monster Energy branded Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR machines."

The Kawasaki Racing Team's new livery will be unveiled for the first time during pre-season testing in Phillip Island, Australia on 29 January, when Hopkins and team-mate Anthony West will continue their build up to the 2008 MotoGP season.