Honda have for many years been a company that doesn’t usually have much in the way of major sponsors on their bikes. The bikes are always very clean, and even their Honda logo is usually small. Well, the 2026 season the bikes look a lot different with Monster Energy and PETRONAS logos on the bikes for the 2026 Motocross World Championships.

HRC media guy, David Bulmer asked team manager Marcus Pereira de Freitas and team owner, Giacomo Gariboldi why the change. Bavo Swijgers image

David Bulmer: Marcus, this is the first time Honda HRC have had an energy drink sponsor. What was the reasoning behind it, why now?

Marcus Pereira de Freitas: Well, I think the opportunity just come as Monster is already with Dakar, I think we have a good relationship together. But coming to MXGP was a good opportunity for them, for us having already an official sponsor this year as PETRONAS Lubricants International, I think was good opportunity to grow together and show our potential.

David Bulmer: Once you knew of Monster’s interest, was it a difficult decision to join with them or?

Marcus Pereira de Freitas: No actually, no because we already have a like I mentioned before a great relationship with all the members of Monster Energy drink. So just like a very smooth process let’s say and we are very happy that we achieved that.

David Bulmer: Giacomo, what does it say again about the stature that you’ve managed to achieve with Honda HRC that you can attract another brand, a billion-dollar industry like Monster Energy?

Giacomo Gariboldi: Ah, you know it’s another big brand who’s joining the team this year, which is great for us, another brand who’s involved with motorsport like PETRONAS Lubricants International, and I think it’s another great achievement for the team.

David Bulmer: Having Monster Energy joining with PETRONAS Lubricants International, what does that do on a global scale for Honda HRC?

Giacomo Gariboldi: Well, it’s as Marcus said it’s great because we are already associated with them in rally, with the rally team. So now to expand it to motocross team it’s good for the team, it’s good for the brand as we know they sponsored the championship in motocross, so I believe they’d like to win a championship with a team sponsored by the same brand they have they have for the global championship. So, I think that’s the goal for them and for us of course.