Liberty Media has officially completed the acquisition of 84% of Dorna, the Spanish company that manages MotoGP, after receiving approval from the European Commission and making a payment of €4.3 billion. The remaining 16% of Dorna remains with its CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and COO Enrique Aldama. This acquisition positions Liberty Media to oversee the world’s second most popular motorsport championship after Formula 1, expanding its portfolio in global sports entertainment.
Leadership and Strategic Expansion Plans for MotoGP
The leadership team at Dorna will continue to operate under the new ownership, with Carmelo Ezpeleta remaining CEO and Enrique Aldama as COO. Carlos Ezpeleta, who leads the sporting division, and Dan Rossomondo, responsible for commercial operations since joining in 2023, will also maintain their roles. A newly formed working group, including prominent figures from Liberty’s Formula 1 transition, Chase Carey and Sean Bratches, will assist in guiding MotoGP’s growth strategy.
Focus on Growing MotoGP’s Presence in North America
Liberty Media’s acquisition aims to unlock MotoGP’s untapped growth potential, particularly in the North American market where the series has struggled to gain significant mainstream attention. The initial efforts will focus on commercial improvements such as selling broadcasting rights, ticketing, advertising, and sponsorships. According to reports, the new board will hold its first meeting at Dorna’s Madrid headquarters next Monday to mark the beginning of the transition process.
Insights from Liberty’s Motorsport Leadership
“Carey was instrumental in introducing the budget cap that enabled teams to achieve greater financial success and multimillion-figure profits. During his tenure, the Concorde Agreement was also renewed in 2021, governing the distribution of championship revenues among teams. Carey stepped down as CEO in 2021 and was succeeded by Stefano Domenicali.” —Autosport
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Liberty’s MotoGP Acquisition
This acquisition signals Liberty Media’s commitment to broadening MotoGP’s global appeal, drawing on their past success with Formula 1’s expansion. With a focus on commercial growth and a strong leadership team in place, the company anticipates increasing MotoGP’s fanbase, particularly in underpenetrated regions like the United States. The upcoming months will be critical in shaping the sport’s future as Liberty Media leverages its extensive experience in sports marketing and management to elevate MotoGP worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. Unfortunately, entertainment is more popular than sports, so MotoGP is seeking to benefit from this trend. However, the current MotoGP lacks exciting personalities to make it more entertaining.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the only World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1. He was equally skilled and courageous in each.
Q. Is MotoGP safer than F1?
A. Since the start of these events, 104 riders have died at Moto Grand Prix races. In contrast, 52 drivers have lost their lives in FIA World Championship events or while racing F1 cars elsewhere.
Q. Is F1 faster than MotoGP?
A. A Formula 1 car can reach a jaw-dropping top speed of 205 mph on the back straight at COTA. MotoGP bikes surpass this speed, hitting an astonishing 221 mph. Despite the speed difference, there is a time gap of about 25 seconds per lap between the two racing series.
