EU Officials Intensify Probe Into Liberty Media’s MotoGP Takeover
The EU has escalated its review of Liberty Media’s €3.5 billion MotoGP acquisition, citing concerns about competition in broadcasting and streaming.
The Christmas season began with worrying news for KTM fans. After the Austrian company officially slipped into insolvency in December, a report by the Alpine Creditors’ Association caused an uproar. In addition to the fact that the continuation of the company was secured by a substantial financial injection of 700 million euros, the report also stated that the “exit from MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto2 is planned” as part of the restructuring measures.
The MotoGP manufacturer from Mattighofen responded with a press release and dispelled the rumours. “Today is an important day for KTM with the confirmation of our restructuring process.”
“This milestone secures our plan for the future and we are proud that motorsport remains an integral part of this restructuring plan. KTM is firmly committed to motorsport. We reiterate our statement for 2025: we will continue to race in MotoGP,” it said.
In the face of significant debts, KTM has turned to potential investors for support. One notable development involves Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton. With KTM struggling to find financial backing for their extensive 94 million euro racing program, the 7-time F1 World Champion has reportedly held “concrete talks” with the Austrian manufacturer about a possible buy-in into their MotoGP project.
Hamilton’s interest in MotoGP isn’t new; earlier this year, he was linked to a potential investment in the Gresini Ducati team.
KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer revealed that discussions with the Brit’s management have been productive. “It’s no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team. Here, too, there are concrete talks.”
However, given KTM’s strong association with Red Bull, a direct rival to Hamilton’s long-standing sponsor, Monster Energy, his potential involvement with KTM, poses a potential conflict. Beirer downplayed the matter, stating: “Red Bull and KTM are inseparable. That has not been an issue in the negotiations so far.”
On top of that, Hamilton isn’t the only investor, the Austrian manufacturer has had contact with in the past weeks. “New sponsors have been found, and I would already like to include one or two of the investors among the partners,” revealed Beirer.
“The investors bring a large network with them, who have brought new sponsors on board. I’m not allowed to mention any names yet because we want to present them accordingly. With strong partners, we can expand our marketing in order to get out of the racing scene with our advertising for MotoGP.”
Liberty Media’s upcominng takeover of MotoGP owner Dorna that was recently hit by an in-depth EU probe has played a significant part in luring new capital to the premier class according to the German.
“Our first contacts with investors were people who have already had a lot to do with Formula 1 and Liberty Media, they have a completely different fantasy of how things will develop for us,” added the 52-year-old former motocross runner-up.
“Formula 1 insiders openly talk about the fact that before Liberty Media came in, teams could be bought for very little money if one became available or was in financial difficulties. Nowadays, the teams are valued at upwards of a billion.”
