IMG APPOINTED AS GLOBAL BROADCAST RIGHTS AGENT FOR MOTOGP

London, October 15, 2008 - Dorna Sports, the commercial and television rights-holders to the MotoGP World Championship, have appointed IMG Sports Media, the sports production and distribution division of IMG Worldwide, to work as the exclusive global agents for broadcast rights sales in key markets across the globe for the next three years.

The world’s premier motorcycle championship is currently broadcast live across the world on over 50 national and continental networks, and under the terms of the new agreement, IMG will assist in increasing international distribution and exposure in those countries where MotoGP is looking to reach its full media potential.

Michel Masquelier, Executive Vice President IMG Media, Head of Acquisition and Sales Worldwide, said, “MotoGP is a first-class property, and IMG is delighted to partner with Dorna.  Together we will bring its media coverage to new heights.”
 
Manel Arroyo, Dorna Sports’ Managing Director commented, “We are very excited to be working closely with IMG in order to maximise MotoGP’s potential worldwide and continue to grow the sport’s fanbase. IMG is a world leader in its field, and deals with TV rights for the biggest sports in the world, so we believe MotoGP will undoubtedly benefit from this collaboration.”

Ioris Francini, Senior Vice President IMG Media, Head of Sales EMEA, said, “MotoGP is pure adrenaline from green light to chequered flag and a premium audiovisual product manufactured and delivered at the best standards available today.  We are immensely proud to be working with Dorna and with a sport that is so attractive to key TV demographics.”
 

About IMG Sports Media
IMG Sports Media, the sports production and distribution division of IMG Worldwide, is the world's largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming, offering the market an extensive catalogue of more than 18,000 hours of television, online, mobile and radio sports content across 240 categories of sports, including golf, football (soccer), tennis, cricket, cycling, motor sports and mixed martial arts.  IMG Sports Media also represents the broadcast rights to many of the world's premier sporting events and maintains the world's largest sports archive with more than 250,000 hours of footage.
 

About MotoGP

MotoGP is the world’s premier motorcycling championship, with a season of 18 Grands Prix in 15 countries bringing together the world’s top motorcycle manufacturers and an elite crop of riders from every corner of the globe. The sport is a spectacular show, featuring the most technologically advanced, high-speed racing machinery being ridden by the most fearless and skilful riders on the planet.

About Dorna
Dorna Sports was established in 1988 as an international sports management and marketing company. Headquarters are in Madrid, with offices in Barcelona, London and Tokyo and over 150 dedicated staff. The company is owned by Bridgepoint Capital and its management. Dorna has been the exclusive holder of the commercial and television rights relating to the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP) since 1992.