Formula One owner Liberty Media has bought a majority stake in European-based MotoGP in a deal reported to be worth approximately $4.5 billion.
Liberty Media, the USA-based media conglomerate, took control of Formula 1 in 2017, has purchased the majority stake in the motorbike racing series from Spanish company Dorna Sports, which has owned MotoGP since 1992. In the deal, Liberty acquire approximately 86% of Dorna, with Dorna’s management retaining the rest of the business. The deal is expected to be finalized later in 2024.
The MotoGP series has minimal presence in the USA – with only one race of the season’s 21 grands prix in the country [at Austin] – but is popular in Asia and Europe, where the bulk of its races are held after originating in 1949.
Currently, Spanish rider Jorge Martin is atop this year’s championship with 60 points.