Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP is set for significant changes on and off the track over the next few years as Liberty Media take over as the sport’s owners.
The American mass-media company are looking to replicate their unbelievable success with Formula 1 with the premier class. Liberty will hope to grow MotoGP’s global audience and may adopt a similar approach to F1, such as a Drive to Survive-style documentary series.
Liberty’s takeover comes as the 2027 regulations near closer, which are set to bring major changes to MotoGP. The bikes will go from 1000cc to 850cc as, like F1 in 2026, they move towards sustainability.
MotoGP will use sustainable fuels under the new rules, while the ride height device will be banned and major aerodynamic changes will be introduced. Furthermore, Pirelli will replace Michelin as the official tyre supplier, giving the sport the same rubber as F1.
With Liberty’s ownership, MotoGP is predicted to skyrocket in popularity, thus increasing the revenue potential for the teams and riders. Subsequently, the manufacturers have been meeting with Dorna to discuss a new agreement moving forward.
MotoGP manufacturers hold ‘not very successful’ meeting with Dorna over a Concorde Agreement used in F1
In a report from GPOne, MotoGP’s manufacturers are looking to implement a ‘Concorde Agreement’ with Dorna, similar to the one used in F1. This details how commercial revenues are distributed among the teams, as well as prize money, entry fees and the number of teams on the grid.
The manufacturers hope for a ‘more equitable distribution of revenue based on sporting results and manufacturer contributions’, as well as securing their grid positions and ‘more control’ over the championship. At present, they receive ‘no direct revenue from commercial rights’.
Seeing the potential of MotoGP under Liberty and the significant funds that could be generated, representatives from Aprilia, Yamaha, Ducati, Honda and KTM recently met with Dorna to discuss a possible Concorde Agreement.
However, the report states that participants in the meeting say it was ‘not very successful’. The manufacturers’ ideas for MotoGP are ‘currently far apart’ from what Dorna have in mind.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Ducati from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
MotoGP’s satellite teams are also in ‘negotiations’ with Dorna amid Liberty Media takeover
As well as the five factories looking for a better cut in revenue under Liberty, LCR chief and CEO of the IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) Lucio Cecchinello is ‘leading negotiations’ for the six satellite teams with Carmelo Ezpeleta.
The teams currently receive a ‘fixed payment’ from MotoGP, with negotiations with Dorna also ‘taking longer than expected’. This is likely because Gresini, Pramac, LCR, Tech3, VR46 and Trackhouse are ‘claiming a much larger slice of the pie in the future than before’.
The satellite teams will certainly see their value grow substantially under Liberty’s ownership. It explains why Gresini turned down an offer from F1 star Lewis Hamilton, even for a significant fee, as they see the potential for more commercial revenue.
Meanwhile, Tech3 are close to being taken over by Guenther Steiner, with the former Haas boss set to replace Herve Poncharal. The 68-year-old is looking to call time on his MotoGP career.
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