multi21

Rumors suggest that Liberty Media is interested in acquiring the commercial rights to MotoGP, potentially giving them ownership over premier classes in both four-wheel and two-wheel motorsports. Dorna Sports, the current owner of MotoGP, has responded to these speculations.

Dorna Sports' ownership structure involves 39% held by British investor Bridgepoint, 38% by a Canadian pension fund, and the remainder by current Dorna management, including CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. While not denying the possibility of a sale, Ezpeleta acknowledges the potential for changes in ownership.

"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, but the banks don't want to buy, they only offer themselves as intermediaries in the operation,"

"Anything can happen, at any time, but it hasn't happened yet. We definitely like the product and the formula with the Sprints works,"

VIA: [gpblog.com]

Carlo_Carrera

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-track-layout/

gbuff

Why bother getting rid of the chicane at Barcelona if they're going to move the race? Unless they keep Barcelona too.

Carlo_Carrera

Maybe they will do both, or alternate years?

Getting rid of the chicane was really no big deal, the existing track was already there.

gbuff

Yeah, I recall the drivers complaining about the chicane.

I just hate to see a cool racetrack replaced by another mostly-street circuit....there is only one street circuit (Monaco) I enjoy even though the race itself usually sucks, I love watching the in-car footage through those narrow streets and the tunnel.

I hope they weld all of the manholes shut....

Carlo_Carrera

I don't consider the Barcelona track to be very good. Nor is it historic. Moving on from it would not be a loss to me.

multi21

We went to the F1 Exhibition in the IFEMA area in May 2023 and quite surprised they are going to have a race there as it's near the airport and rather industrial -- no where as scenic as Monaco or Baku. That said, the races in Barcelona were rather boring on that track.

Carlo_Carrera

The team name will be, "Visa Cash App RB". What is going on with this? Marketing folks have lost all sense taste/style/reality.

https://f1i.com/news/498278-visa-cas...-identity.html

gbuff

Hey, the interest that I pay them every month will help finance an F1 team....I'm actually a part-owner!

Carlo_Carrera

Some hairy fast corners on this baby.

Coochas

That back half looks like a no passing zone. But we'll see what the boys can do!

multi21

Madrid reportedly outbid Barcelona by nearly double to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, securing a 10-year deal for a new circuit around the IFEMA exhibition centre.

Madrid's hosting effort for the Spanish Grand Prix reportedly secured funding of approximately €48 million per year, totaling nearly half a billion euros for the 10-year deal lasting until 2035.

This substantial amount puts it on par with hosting fees paid by other countries like Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

VIA: [PLANET F1]

skl

Well I guess Charles isn't too worried about Ferrari's ongoing strategy issues as he signed a contract extension. Makes me wonder what's up with Carlos???

StoogeMoe

Will they still be testing at Barcelona?

goin2drt

All that means is outrageous prices and no commoner will be attending the race. Glad we are doing Barcelona this year to say we went.