The former head of the Formula 1 Red Bull team, Christian Horner, made a surprising appearance at the Jerez circuit, coinciding with the qualifying session of the Spanish Grand Prix. His presence has led to speculation about a possible interest in acquiring a MotoGP team.
Horner was seen accompanied by the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, as they toured the paddock during Saturday morning. Particularly notable was his stay at Honda’s facility, where he held conversations with HRC CEO Koji Watanabe.
During his time in F1, Horner established important ties with the Japanese manufacturer, which helped Red Bull secure four drivers’ titles and two constructors’ titles over the past decade. Now, with his future uncertain in Formula 1, new possibilities are opening up for him in MotoGP.
Furthermore, the recent role of Liberty Media in acquiring Dorna Sports has amplified interest in the two-wheel sport. In an interview, Horner commented that he has always been a big fan of MotoGP and that the opportunity to visit the competition was unparalleled. “It’s an interesting time for MotoGP. It’s going through a period of changes, and I wanted to see it firsthand,” he noted.
With €4.2 billion invested in Dorna, MotoGP now shares a structure with Formula 1 under the same company, which could facilitate the movement of professionals between the two sports. Historically, there have been examples of this, such as Massimo Rivola, who successfully made the leap from F1 to MotoGP.
The next commercial contract for MotoGP, which will come into effect in 2027, is currently under negotiation, which could significantly influence investment opportunities. Thanks to the conditions that allow independent teams to acquire fully constructed bikes, the entry cost to MotoGP is lower compared to F1.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
