Yamaha has officially launched its 2009 World Superbike team but neither Ben Spies' nor Tom Sykes' YZF-R1s are sporting the expected Monster energy drink sponsor logos.

It was widely believed that Yamaha Motor Italia had secured a title sponsorship package from Monster which was tied in with Valentino Rossi's helmet logos. However, no green M is on show for the moment.

The Yamaha World Superbike team structure remains virtually the same for 2009 with the exception of two new replacements. Ben Spies' American Crew Chief Tom Houseworth has moved from the USA to join him in 2009 and Italian new-comer Sergio Verbena steps up to join Tom Sykes as his new Crew Chief for the upcoming championship battle.

With the global credit crunch affecting all areas of racing, the team have also needed to restructure their budgets by streamlining their operations to be as efficient as possible.

"Cost savings have been found in the logistics, including number of staff members traveling, as well as in several other areas, without compromising the ability to win on the track. They are determined and motivated to adapt to the situation and go out there and fight for the championship," said a team spokesman.