F1, Ecclestone: “Probable new owners of the Circus already in 2016”

Bernie Ecclestone he declared that F1 is attractive to large business groups and that already in 2016 the Circus could have new majority shareholders. CVC, owner of the main share package of the F1 brand, would be willing to sell a large part of it, more or less equivalent to 35% of the capital.

“Our majority shareholders are in a position to be forced to divest some, if not all, of their shares in a rather short term” declared the Machiavellian Bernie, very skilled when it comes to skyrocketing interest in the US F1.

“There is great interest around CVC, there are at least three large investment groups interested, which could act shortly. I would be surprised if one of these investors doesn't make an offer this year." concluded Ecclestone.

Among the mysterious candidates would be the US financial group RSE Ventures and "Qatar Sports Investments". The latter group, directly controlled by the Qatari sheiks, already owns Paris Saint Germain. In short, Arab capital could also arrive in F1, which has already overturned the hierarchies in football for a few years. While the Mateschitz suggestion, for an F1 entirely sponsored by Red Bull, does not currently seem feasible.

Antonino Rendina

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