SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

F1 teams keen on buying into sport

F1 teams are open to the concept of buying into the sport's commercial rights.

F1 teams are open to the concept of buying into the sport's commercial rights.

US media tycoon John Malone's Liberty Media group is taking over from CVC and reportedly wants to offer up to 20 per cent of the commercial rights to the teams.

"The idea sounds good," said Mercedes' Toto Wolff in Singapore.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner agreed: "I think it's a sensible thing.

"The teams are key stakeholders -- without the teams there is no formula one.

"To keep it as a minority shareholding for the teams would be the right thing because obviously anything beyond that we're never going to agree on," he added.

And Renault's Cyril Abiteboul commented: "I think it's a great opportunity, so if it makes sense then I would say clearly 'Why not?'"

Even the small teams may be interested, with Sauber chief Monisha Kaltenborn saying: "It can make sense to have all teams being given this opportunity and be represented.

"But at the end of the day it depends on what you get and what the price is."

(GMM)