Le Mans lands Monster deal

Monster Energy, title sponsor of the Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP team and a personal sponsor of world champion Valentino Rossi, has signed on as title sponsor of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans for the next two seasons.

The deal marks the first time that Monster has sponsored a MotoGP event.

"We are extremely pleased that Monster Energy want MotoGP to be part of their plan to raise their brand profile internationally," said Dorna Sports S.L. managing director Pau Serracanta. "Monster Energy already had a presence in the FIM MotoGP World Championship courtesy of their partnerships with riders and teams and the French Grand Prix title sponsorship allows them to further build on those links with the pinnacle of motorcycle racing."

"Right from the brand's beginning, Monster Energy has embraced motorcycle racing," said Monster Beverage vice president of Sports Marketing Bruce Stjernstrom. "MotoGP is the premiere form of motorcycle racing. We're committed to the global series based on our relationships with world champion Valentino Rossi and the Tech 3 Yamaha team. Sponsoring the Grand Prix de France is yet another example of our belief and dedication to MotoGP."

The 2010 Monster Energy Grand Prix de France will take place on May 21-23.

Rival energy drink giant Red Bull is title sponsor of the two American MotoGP rounds.