91998E0887

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0887/98 by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 March 1998)

Subject: Dominant market position with regard to Formula 1 motor racing on television

It would appear that Mr Bernie Ecclestone and his company are in a monopoly position with regard to the right to organize and televise Formula 1 motor races.

What will the Commission do to enable his dominant market position to be limited on the basis of the same principles as are applied in order to promote free competition in Europe in other fields?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1998)

A number of commercial agreements relating to Formula One were notified to the Commission, in September 1997, by the Fédération internationale de l'automobile and Formula One administration. The Commission received views on the agreements from a number of interested third parties. It is also considering two formal complaints and a number of informal complaints, which include allegations of an abuse of a dominant position with respect to broadcasting rights marketed by companies in which Mr Ecclestone has an interest, and matters relating to how Formula One is organised. The Commission is assessing the extent to which the agreements infringe Article 85 of the EC Treaty, which deals with agreements which may restrict competition, and whether there is an infringement of Article 86 of the EC Treaty, which is concerned with abuse of a dominant position.

It is too early to state what the outcome of the Commission's assessment will be. However, the Commission hopes to reach its conclusions in the coming months.