Valentino Rossi Takes Monster Deal from Hopkins

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Valentino Rossi has secured yet another sponsorship deal ahead of his new MotoGP campaign in 2009. The Italian is due to hit another jackpot these days, as Italian reports show that Monster energy drink will sign a 2-year deal with the MotoGP champion in the next few days.

According to Tuttosport.com, the Yamaha rider will get as much as 2.5 million euros for the new deal, with an extra bonus of half-of million euros should he win another championship in the process. The two parties have not issued any comments on the matter, but an official statement is to be released later this week.

Monster has so far sponsored Kawasaki's John Hopkins in the MotoGP. However, with the Japanese manufacturer announcing their withdrawal from the series earlier this month, the famous energy drink started looking for new opportunities of making themselves visible in the MotoGP for another season.

However, the aforementioned source did not reveal whether Monster will cease partnership with the North American rider or keep sponsoring him for the upcoming season. For the time being, Hopkins' presence in next year's series is under doubt, as it is yet unknown whether Kawasaki will be forced to compete for one more year in the MotoGP – by championship promoter Dorna – or sell all its operations to Jorge Martinez, currently team owner in the 125cc and 250cc classes.

Should Hopkins be released from the payroll by Monster, the North American will have enen less chances of securing a MotoGP seat in 2009. Losing his main sponsor will most likely lead to his new team paying him the entire salary, which means a drastic pay-cut for 2009 (in case he actually gets to race).