Image: Supplied.

The new-look Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team has launched its 2019 campaign with a team presentation in Jakarta, Indonesia, showcasing a stunning new livery that will grace the YZR-M1s of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales.

Monster Energy has increased its presence on the Yamaha contender, coming on board as the naming rights partner of the team for the 2019 MotoGP World Championship that will kick off on 10 March at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

“I saw the bike and it’s beautiful,” Vinales stated. “Normally I try to start and feel prepared. It doesn’t matter how last year went, it’s a new start. We’ve seen many changes within the team, Stefan will enable me to do my best.

“I feel like I have really good experience with my people, with all the changes I think I can do it. All the athletes I cheer for have Monster. I feel really proud and now incorporating Monster on the bike, it feels really good.”

Valentino Rossi added: “Yeah you know, in this moment you are always very excited. It’s a shame because the holidays have finished, but we are ready. We have to work hard because in the last period our opponents made a good step.

“In modern MotoGP the key is the tyres, we always work to save the tyres. It’s a difficult job, it’s very precise, you have to work on your style and work hard with your engineers. his is the objective this year.

“For me it’s a long time with Monster and I always feel very comfortable. I like the colours, the green and black are good with the blue of our Yamaha – it’s aggressive, we’re like Men in Black. I’m very proud, it’s important to have Monster as a main sponsor.”

The duo will be out on track this week at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the first pre-season test of the year.