– The new sponsorship partnership between Aprilia and Monster Energy has far-reaching consequences for Jorge Martin. While it was initially assumed that his long-standing collaboration with Red Bull was only on hold, the Spaniard confirmed in Mugello that it has ended.
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This ends a partnership that has accompanied the Spaniard since his beginnings in international motorcycle racing. For Martin, this development is a painful cut. At the same time, however, he recognizes the long-term benefits that the new sponsor brings to Aprilia’s factory team.
“That’s just how it is. Any economic improvement that brings additional value to the team ultimately leads to improvements and further developments,” explains Martin.
Martin: “I couldn’t control that”
The Spaniard emphasizes the special significance of his previous partnership with Red Bull: “For me personally, it was 15 years with Red Bull, and I will always be grateful to them for the opportunity they gave me to enter the Rookies Cup. But that was something I couldn’t control.”
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Aprilia officially announced last Friday that Monster Energy will be the new main sponsor of the factory team. Martin had already been informed about the upcoming change two weeks ago in Barcelona.
In Mugello, the Spaniard appeared for the first time without his Red Bull cap and instead presented Aprilia team clothing. The RS-GP also already bore the Monster logo.
No break, but the end of the collaboration
Initially, there had been speculation in Martin’s circle as to whether the cooperation with Red Bull might only be suspended for a certain period. However, he clarified: “It’s over for now. I don’t know if we will ever get back together in the future, but as of today, we are going our separate ways.”
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In addition to the financial implications, Martin also loses his status as an official Red Bull athlete. This previously included access to the exclusive Red Bull Athlete Performance Center (APC) in Salzburg. Nevertheless, Martin emphasizes that the relationship with the energy drink giant remains excellent.
“Our relationship has always been great, and I believe it will continue to be very, very good. It’s a connection that has grown over many years. If I were to ask to use the facilities, there would certainly be no problem.”
Rivola: Contract situation allowed no other solution
It was inevitable that Martin had to separate from Red Bull after Aprilia’s Monster deal. Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola explains the background: “Of course, our contracts state that riders cannot have sponsors who are competitors of a team sponsor. This applies to every sponsorship contract of the team.”
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Rivola also confirms that Aprilia had to take appropriate measures after Monster’s entry and held talks with Red Bull. “We settled with them what needed to be settled,” said the Aprilia racing boss.
At the same time, the Italian shows understanding for the situation of his rider, who had to give up his connection to Red Bull after a decade and a half. After 15 years together, this was certainly “not easy, but it was for the good of the team.”
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When asked whether Aprilia had to compensate Martin for the loss of his personal sponsor and the associated financial losses, Rivola does not directly answer. He merely clarifies: “We enforced the agreements. It would not have been appropriate to compete with both logos.”
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