MotoGP receives 'outpouring of interest' since US$4.5bn Liberty ...
Liberty Media chief executive Greg Maffei says it has witnessed an “outpouring of interest” in MotoGP since the Formula One owner announced its takeover of the global motorcycling series.
The company confirmed last month that it would acquire 86 per cent of Dorna, the commercial rightsholder of MotoGP in a deal worth €4.2 billion (US$4.53 billion). The plan is for Dorna to remain an independently run entity, with Carmelo Ezpeleta continuing as chief executive.
Speaking to investors, Maffei said there had been increased levels of interest from potential partners, including manufacturers. Five manufacturers are presently involved in MotoGP, which has already gained interest from BMW.
“So, on MotoGP, after the announcement, we had an outpouring of interest from both potential broadcast partners, [manufacturers], potential sites, all of which are very interesting,” Maffei said, as quoted by Autosport.
“Unfortunately, due to the nature of the regulatory process, we will be formulating those amongst ourselves and our plans. But we really can’t reach out and do anything concrete with the MotoGP management team to avoid gun jumping until we have regulatory approval.”
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Maffei also noted that the process to approve the transaction was on track to be completed by the end of the year, with the company “progressing” on providing the required regulatory filings.
“I want to reiterate the attractive qualities of this asset: a global league level sport with incredible racing,” Maffei continued. “For example, across the first four races, we’ve had 10 riders across seven teams reach the podium, and the average time to decide the race winner has been about a second.
“On Monday, the new technical regulations for the sport were announced for the 2027 timeframe. They expect even closer racing. And more overtaking utilising these new technical [regulations]
“Attendance at the races is performing very well. For example, the Portuguese GP at Portimao was up 41 per cent versus the prior year and the Spanish GP at Jerez had the highest attendance since 2015.
“The sport is awesome, and Liberty has experience to help them hopefully grow the exposure across the world.”
Maffei’s comments came as MotoGP unveiled Qatar Airways as its official airline partner as part of a multi-year deal. The airline will provide passenger and cargo services, including chartered flights for MotoGP staff, commercial tickets, and freight services focused on using new and reduced boxes to improve the series’ efficiency.
Qatar Airways will also have trackside branding at several circuits throughout the season, starting this week at the Grand Prix de France held at Le Mans. The airline, which already has been the title sponsor for the 2023 and 2024 Grands Prix of Qatar, will additionally hold the title sponsorship rights to this year’s Australian Grand Prix.
“We’re very happy to welcome Qatar Airways as official airline and confirm this new agreement,” said Ezpeleta. “MotoGP is a global sport and to move across the world as we do, a partner like Qatar Airways has overwhelming value for our personnel, our freight and the whole paddock.
“Efficiency and excellence are words we live by and the same is true for Qatar Airways. There is no better partner to become the official airline of MotoGP.”
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