Exploring the Potential Acquisition of MotoGP by Formula One’s Owners: Insights from Dorna CEO

The possibility of Formula One’s owners acquiring MotoGP has become a topic of significant speculation, with Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta acknowledging the rumors. Despite the buzz, Ezpeleta stated, “anything can happen, at any time, but it hasn’t happened yet,” leaving the future of this potential sale in a realm of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

• Dorna Sports Ownership Structure: Dorna Sports, which manages MotoGP, is primarily owned by British investor Bridgepoint (39%) and a Canadian Pension fund (38%), with the remainder held by Dorna Management and its CEO. This diverse ownership raises questions about the viability of a potential acquisition.
• Ezpeleta’s Confirmation and Concerns: Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta confirmed the ongoing rumors of a sale but expressed his curiosity about the source of these rumors. He indicated regular inquiries from credit institutions, reflecting the financial sector’s interest in this potential sale.
• Regulatory Challenges: Historical precedents, particularly the European Regulations’ intervention in a similar attempt by Bernie Ecclestone to acquire rights for both F1 and MotoGP, suggest potential regulatory obstacles. This history hints at the complexities involved in such a large-scale acquisition, especially considering market competition concerns.

The world of motorsport is abuzz with the possibility of a significant shift in ownership dynamics. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, the organization behind MotoGP, recently confirmed rumors that the company might be on the sale block. In a statement to La Repubblica, Ezpeleta acknowledged the rumors and the constant inquiries from financial institutions, saying, “I can confirm the rumours of a sale, but I would like to know who is spreading them. Every day I get two or three phone calls from credit institutions asking me if it is true that we are for sale.”

However, Ezpeleta’s confirmation comes with a degree of caution and uncertainty. He remarked, “Anything can happen, at any time, but it hasn’t happened yet. We definitely like the product and the formula with the Sprints works.” This statement suggests that while a sale is not off the table, it is not a foregone conclusion either.

An intriguing aspect of this potential acquisition is the current ownership structure of Dorna Sports. The majority stake is held by British investor Bridgepoint (39%) and a Canadian Pension fund (38%), with the remaining shares owned by Dorna Management and its CEO. This diverse stakeholder composition could complicate any potential sale negotiations.

A major hurdle that could impede the sale is regulatory scrutiny. European Regulations have previously intervened in similar situations. The most notable instance was when Bernie Ecclestone, the former owner of Formula 1, attempted to secure rights for both F1 and MotoGP with the Luxembourg investment firm CVC. The deal was ultimately blocked due to concerns over granting excessive power to the involved parties and potentially harming market competition.

In conclusion, while the rumors of a potential acquisition of MotoGP by the owners of Formula One are rife, several factors make this a complex and uncertain possibility. The diverse ownership of Dorna Sports, Ezpeleta’s cautious approach to the rumors, and the potential regulatory hurdles all contribute to an unpredictable future for this potential acquisition. As the motorsport world watches closely, the question remains whether Formula 1 and MotoGP will come under the same umbrella in the future.