MotoGP owner Bridgepoint acquires WSBK rights

"Bridgepoint will encourage the further development of Superbike and MotoGP although both series will continue to be organised and managed separately"

Peter McLaren

02 Sep 2011

Biaggi, Race Start, Aragon WSBK Race 2 2011
© Gold and Goose

Private equity group Bridgepoint - the majority shareholder of Dorna Sports, which owns the commercial rights to MotoGP - has reached an agreement to acquire Infront Sports & Media.

The purchase is significant in motorsport terms because Infront's vast portfolio includes the commercial rights to the World Superbike Championship.

Upon confirming the Infront deal, which is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities, Bridgepoint made the following reference to MotoGP and WSBK, which are often seen as fighting over the same fan base:

"Bridgepoint will encourage the further development of Superbike and MotoGP although both series will continue to be organised and managed separately," said the statement.

"Dorna and Infront Motor Sports are each fully committed to the long-term relationship with the F?d?ration Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) as their strategic partner as well as the successful partnerships with teams and manufacturers, circuit owners, sponsors, broadcasters and other stakeholders of the series."

Bridgepoint acquired MotoGP in 2006 after previous owner, CVC, was forced to sell in order to buy the rights to the Formula One World Championship (which it still owns).

The infront purchase was made 'for an undisclosed sum'.