Hamilton responds to rumors of MotoGP team ownership deal

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Facing the media throng on Thursday at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton addressed the recent rumors linking him to a potential investment in leading MotoGP team Gresini Racing.

Whispers in the MotoGP paddock at Assen last weekend suggested that Hamilton was engaged in talks with the satellite Ducati team that currently fields six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez and his brother Alex.

Hamilton, known for his love of motorcycles and past experience swapping rides with Valentino Rossi, didn't completely shut down the idea of becoming a team owner in MotoGP which is now owned by Formula 1's parent company Liberty Media.

However, the future Ferrari driver insisted that such a venture isn't in his immediate plans.

“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 just yet .

Read also: Liberty Media seals $4 billion deal to acquire MotoGP

“But anything is possible. I'm definitely interested, as I said before, about equity and the Broncos was already a first step into team ownership.

“And so, I think over the next five to ten years there will be a little bit more. We'll see.”

In 2022, Hamilton invested in the Denver Broncos’ NFL franchise. He also founded Team X44 that competes in the all-electric Extreme E series.

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The thought of a global icon like Hamilton joining MotoGP as team owner undeniably generated a buzz within the series’ paddock and especially within the Gresini Racing team.

“For me, if it’s real – because you never know – it’s good for our sport,” commented Marc Marquez.

“And even if it’s not real it’s good for our sport, because in the end MotoGP needs people talking about it.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.