1993 500cc champion Kevin Schwantz believes the potential Liberty Media MotoGP takeover has “nothing but gains to be had.”
The $3.8 billion deal to acquire MotoGP promoters Dorna Sports was announced in April last year, but there were concerns that Liberty Media’s existing involvement in Formula 1 could lead to monopoly issues.
It was last reported that American entity Liberty Media is set to secure unconditional EU approval to purchase 86% of the Spanish company.
Texan two-wheeled legend Kevin Schwantz shared his thoughts on whether the mass media giant could replicate its Formula 1 success in the realm of motorcycle racing.
“You know, I kind of thought when they bought F1, Bernie [Ecclestone] just knocked him on the head, didn’t he,” Schwantz told media, including Motorsport Week at the Cremona WorldSBK round.
“He’s like, they can’t do anything any better. But they obviously have stepped in and you know, made it a sport that I’ve got friends that call me about F1 tickets, ‘Hey, I want to go to F1’, I was like, ‘You didn’t even know anything about motorcycles when I raced’.
“How of a sudden did you all [watch] that Netflix series, that’s got me hooked on. Unbelievable what that’s done for Formula 1.
“So, you know, if they can come in and do some similar type stuff for two-wheeled championships, whether it’s Superbike or MotoGP, I think more power to them.
“I’d love to pat them on the back and give them some assistance if they need it.
“If Liberty can bring that same type of, you know, promotional, motivational, whatever it might be, into the paddock and get more exposure for two wheels.
“I mean, there’s absolutely nothing but gains to be had, that’s for sure.”
READ MORE – Liberty Media set for EU backing over MotoGP purchase
Discussion about this post