F1 owner faces MotoGP deal setback – report

Formula 1 owner’s Liberty Media are reportedly set to face a detailed investigation into its proposed takeover of MotoGP by the European Union, according to Bloomberg.

The financial news agency has reported that an investigation into the purchase is set to be announced later this month, almost eight months on from Liberty Media announcing the deal. 

It was earlier this year in April when Liberty Media announced its proposed deal to takeover MotoGP rights holder Dorna, with paperwork having been submitted to EU commissioner Teresa Ribera last month.

A deadline for further information to be received is set for December 19, with regulatory approval over the €4 billion deal remaining a sticky point. 

The biggest concern over the deal is that it would see the world’s biggest motorsport championships controlled by the same company, which could have implications for the broadcast market.

According to Bloomberg, Ribera will order a more detailed assessment of the proposed takeover, which will result in a significant delay to Liberty Media’s purchase. 

A Liberty Media spokesperson told Bloomberg that the organisation is continuing to “work constructively” with EU regulators as part of the review and that it is hopeful that it “will understand the dynamic nature of the market.”