Dorna in talks with BBC over new MotoGP TV deal

Talks that could see live coverage of the MotoGP world championship remain on the BBC beyond 2013 are underway.

The Beeb’s current five-year deal expires at the end of the this year and Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta confirmed to MCN that the Spanish-based rights owners are in discussions with other interested parties as well as the BBC.

He refused to name potential rivals to the BBC, but MCN sources understand ITV and Sky Sports have expressed an interest in securing the rights from 2014 onwards.

Dorna Managing Director Manel Arroyo is currently negotiating rights for the UK coverage of MotoGP beyond this year and in an interview with MCN, Ezpeleta said: “Manel is discussing with all parties. We have been approached to consider different possibilities and we are also discussing with the BBC and we will take the decision very soon.

Many people are interested in MotoGP but we need to contemplate other possibilities and see what is the best situation for everybody. We are very happy with the BBC but we need to look at the options. The BBC is a very good option for us though.”

The BBC will continue with the same presenting line-up in 2013, with Matt Roberts anchoring the show with Azi Farni in the role of roving reporter.

Steve Parrish and Charlie Cox remain as the commentary team.

British Eurosport, which features Julian Ryder and Toby Moody behind the microphone, is also in the last of a two-year deal to show all Moto3 and Moto2 races live, plus delayed full coverage of the MotoGP race.