Is Formula 1 to buy MotoGP? Well, the sheer number of reports recently suggests where there is smoke there must be fire. And the idea of the world’s top four-wheeled motorsport merging with its two-wheeled equivalent is exciting. Moreover, F1’s commercial owner Liberty Media buying MotoGP would be a ‘match made in heaven’, say experts.
One-month ago, MotoGP’s long-time boss, Carmelo Ezpeleta, flat out did not deny buyout rumours either. Now, reports are swirling that MotoGP promoter Dorna’s current owner, Bridgepoint, is in ‘exclusive’ multi-billion dollar talks with Liberty Media.
FORMULA 1 TO BUY MOTOGP?
“The majority shareholders of Dorna are investment funds, which buy things to sell them and make a profit,” explained Ezpeleta. And, earlier in the year, the MotoGP boss admitted that a joint F1-MotoGP race weekend was also in the works for the future.
Now, the authoritative Financial Times newspaper has reported that a deal for Formula 1 to buy MotoGP could be worth as much as $4 billion. Moreover, FT reported that the talks in recent weeks between Liberty Media and Bridgepoint have become ‘exclusive.’ As in, there are no longer any other parties at the table.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
Citing key sources, FT correspondents Matthew Garrahan and Samuel Agini say Liberty Media has, “seen off a rival bid from TKO. TKO is a sports and entertainment group run by Hollywood powerbroker Ari Emanuel.” As well as another bid from a consortium in Qatar.
However, an issue in the way of Formula 1 to buy MotoGP, could be concerns of a major conflict of interest. One competition lawyer told FT that something of this magnitude would have to be investigated by a competition commission, before joint F1-MotoGP ownership could materialise.
“An agreement (of Formula 1 to buy MotoGP) is close,” said the newspaper. However, an announcement will have to be pushed to next week (after the Easter long weekend)”. All parties, including Dorna, Bridgepoint and Liberty Media declined to comment. – with GMM.
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