F1 Rival Demands Brussels Investigation into Liberty Media's €4bn MotoGP Deal

F1 Rival Demands Brussels Investigation into Liberty Media's €4bn MotoGP Deal

F1 is currently facing significant scrutiny as Alejandro Agag, a prominent figure in the motorsport world, urges Brussels to investigate Liberty Media's proposed €4bn takeover of MotoGP. This acquisition raises concerns regarding potential monopolistic behavior in the competitive landscape of motorsport.

Concerns Over Media Rights Power

According to Agag, this acquisition could give Liberty Media unprecedented power over broadcasters, significantly skewing the landscape of media rights negotiations. Liberty Media's recent success with F1, largely attributed to the Drive to Survive series and new races in major cities, fuels these apprehensions.

• Agag calls for proper remedies to ensure market fairness.
• He highlights the importance of competition law in evaluating the implications of this merger.
• With concerns about Liberty Media's extensive media influence, he warns the European Commission will likely scrutinize this deal closely.

Liberty Media's Optimism

Despite these concerns, Liberty Media remains optimistic about the deal's approval, emphasizing it will not merge the governing structures of F1 and MotoGP. Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media, stated they are confident in the European Commission's understanding of the dynamic media market.

Future of Motorsport

As Liberty Media prepares to finalize the MotoGP acquisition, the racing community watches closely. Agag's statements come at a critical time for the future of motorsport in Europe, where competition regulations play a pivotal role in maintaining a fair environment.