LONDON — MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) will be run by a single organizer, European private equity firm Bridgepoint said in a statement Tuesday. Dorna Sports, which organizes MotoGP, will now also take responsibility for WorldSBK from Infront Sports & Media. Local media reports in Britain said Bridgepoint, which holds stakes in both Spain-based Dorna and Switzerland-based Infront, had instigated the move. The aim is to allow the two series - production-based Superbikes and prototype MotoGP - to develop their racing focus while benefiting from joint marketing and commercial strategies. Infront has been appointed as marketing partner and global advisor to both championships, which will still be managed as separate events under one umbrella. “Under the new structure, the two leading motorcycle road racing events are now set for sustainable further growth and development. A true win-win situation has been created,” said Philippe Blatter, president & CEO of Infront Sports & Media. “Both Dorna and Infront can now further strengthen and focus on their core competencies and, in addition, achieve leading positions in their specific area of expertise,” he added in a statement on the official MotoGP website. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “We're very excited to have the two top motorcycle road racing series under one roof. Dorna has been the exclusive commercial and television rights holder for MotoGP since 1992. Stoner to return in Japan MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner will return from injury at the Japanese Grand Prix on Oct. 14, the Australian said Wednesday. Stoner has missed the last three races after breaking his right ankle in a crash during qualifying at Indianapolis in August. “It has been another quiet week here in Australia. I've been resting, having some physio and following doctor's orders to recover,” the double world champion told his Repsol Honda team website. “The good news is that I feel I can race in Motegi (Japan) and will be rejoining my team next week. I can't wait.”— Agencies
