Guenther Steiner, CEO of the KTM Tech3 MotoGP team, said MotoGP has immense potential for growth under new owner Liberty Media ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on August 6, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. He drew parallels to Formula One’s situation two decades ago, when Liberty Media acquired F1’s commercial rights in 2017 and revitalized the sport’s global profile [1, 2, 3]. Liberty Media completed its takeover of MotoGP parent company Dorna in 2024 [1, 2].

Steiner, who led the KTM Tech3 takeover starting in January 2026, said MotoGP’s core racing product is strong and should remain unchanged, but commercial presentation and marketing could benefit from lessons learned in Formula One. “MotoGP doesn’t need help with the racing, leave it alone. But the rest of it, just (on) the presentation of everything, Formula One is top. MotoGP are good but they can need the help of Formula One,” Steiner said [1].

He pointed to the United States as a key growth market. Currently, MotoGP hosts only one US race, compared to three Formula One events. Steiner said the commercial opportunities in the US are significant and cited his own experience moving there in 2006. "I came from F1, people knew what F1 was but nobody could care about it. Now everybody knows what F1 is and cares. I think MotoGP has got the potential...it can be bigger than it is," he added [1, 2, 3].

Steiner also highlighted the need to globalize the sport’s talent and event locations. MotoGP is currently dominated by Spanish and Italian riders and races. Expanding the rider base and venues worldwide could help the sport grow [1, 2].

At Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix contract was recently extended, the race has seen 11 different winners in 11 years, showcasing competitive parity that can attract fans [1, 2]. Maverick Vinales, a KTM Tech3 rider, missed the British Grand Prix weekend due to shoulder surgery and was replaced by 35-year-old Spanish test rider Pol Espargaro [1, 2].

Steiner stressed that MotoGP can shape its own identity rather than simply copying Formula One’s playbook. "MotoGP doesn't have to look exactly at what F1 is doing, they can write their own story. You don't have to copy-paste the racing," he said [1].

As MotoGP moves deeper into 2026 under Liberty Media’s ownership, the sport appears poised for potential expansion in markets like the US and beyond, building on a solid racing foundation with enhanced commercial strategies.