until Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
Thursday at the Sachsenring was the first chance for top MotoGP riders to share their reaction to the possibility of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton becoming a team owner in the series - and it’s fair to say it would be a very popular move.
Multiple sources in the MotoGP paddock have told The Race that Hamilton’s representatives have been making preliminary moves towards Hamilton adding the Gresini Racing team to his sports investments in what would be a full takeover deal if it went ahead.
Hamilton didn’t rule that out when quizzed about it ahead of F1's British Grand Prix on Thursday.
He stopped short of confirming that talks were in progress, but emphasised his interest in MotoGP.
“I've always loved MotoGP,” he said. “I'm interested in the potential growth of the sport, but I haven't looked that far into it yet.
“But anything's possible.
“I'm definitely interested in equity - already the [Denver] Broncos was a first step in team ownership.
“In the next 5-10 years there'll be hopefully more.”
There was a degree of wariness among the riders quizzed about it in Germany today - not because Hamilton would be an unwelcome presence in the paddock. The opposite in fact, the wariness was more in case the news turned out to be too good to be real.
Current Gresini rider Marc Marquez felt that even if it didn't happen, the fact it was even being discussed with good for MotoGP - and jokingly referred to recent rumours of him buying the team too.
“If it’s real, it’s good for our sport,” he said.
“Even if it’s not real, it’s good for our sport because in the end MotoGP needs people to talk about it!
“Maybe I’m thinking about buying a team too! But I don’t have enough cash!”
Championship leader Jorge Martin agreed it would be an exciting development for MotoGP - and one that proved the championship’s appeal.
“If it happens, it’ll be something interesting,” he said.
“This is because the sport is growing, and for sure this is just the beginning. The future, the years that are coming next, will be really interesting for MotoGP.
“If someone really iconic like Hamilton wants to buy in MotoGP, it’s because something is changing and I’m really interested in that.”
News of Hamilton’s potential interest in MotoGP involvement comes at a time when F1 owner Liberty Media is in the process of taking over MotoGP as well.
