With the second MotoGP pre-season test session due to start on Wednesday in Malaysia, the Spanish team took the opportunity to launch its 2014 project at the home of energy drink brand Drive M7, its new title sponsor.
With 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden and 2009 250cc World Champion Hiroshi Aoyama and the new sponsorship agreement with Drive M7, the team is targeting to branch out further into the international market. The deal between the outfit of Jorge Martinez Aspar and Drive M7 is for three years, signifying a long-term vision that both sides are sure will prove to be a huge success.
"It is very important for us to have reached an agreement with DRIVE M7, a huge company that forms part of the Mutiara Motors Group and that has a global vision. In terms of our sporting project we have switched manufacturers from Aprilia to Honda and we have signed two World Champions in the shape of Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama to represent us in MotoGP."
"We are all very excited about this new project and we face a big challenge over the next three years. Both Drive M7 and the Aspar Team have similar ideas and thoughts, which is why we get on so well. The Drive M7 family have a very similar perspective to us, with a constant desire to grow and develop. I hope that this is the start of a long and successful relationship, both in terms of our sporting achievements and in promoting the name of DRIVE M7 and the Aspar Team around the world.”
Nicky Hayden: “It is a new season and a new challenge for me but I am healthy and very excited. I have been very impressed with Mr Aspar and his professionalism. It’s clear he really wants results and is behind all his guys."
"The challenge of competing as an open bike and the new rules will be interesting to see how it all plays out and if it really will become the future of MotoGP. The first test we were not as competitive as we need to be but I trust HRC will help us very soon and find us more power."
"I must get everything out of this new test to learn the bike and the new team and be ready to for the opener in Qatar. I have great fans and great sponsors and hope I can make them proud this year.”
"I am looking forward to starting a new season with my new team and also with a new and important sponsor like Drive M7. Hopefully this new season that is about to start can be an enjoyable one for every single person connected to this project."
"We have a new challenge this season in the shape of the Open category, which is the future of MotoGP. 2014 will be an interesting and important season for us. I have a great team, a great bike and direct support from Honda, so I am sure it will be a good year.”
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