The organisers of rival motorcycling race series MotoGP and World Superbikes have agreed to bring their interests together for the first time.
Dorna Sports and Infront Sports & Media, who organise MotoGP and World Superbikes respectively, will integrate the two formats while continuing to manage the events as distinct championships.
European equity firm Bridgepoint instigated the shift in a bid to ensure the long-term health of both series, having first invested in Dorna in 2006 before approaching Infront last year.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the chief executive of Dorna, Carmelo Ezpeleta, explained how the arrangement will benefit both formats through joint marketing and commercial strategies.
He said: "We're very excited to have the two top motorcycle road racing series under one roof.
"We fully expect to develop and strengthen the distinct nature of both MotoGP and World Superbikes as separate properties and remain committed to working with teams and manufacturers, circuit owners, sponsors and broadcasters to give fans the best experience yet."
Infront chief executive Philippe Blatter added: "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.
"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."
MotoGP has traditionally focused on prototype racing with World Superbikes showcasing production-based motorbikes.
Dorna has been the exclusive commercial and television rights holder to MotoGP since 1992 with Infront acquiring previous World Superbike promoter FGSport in May 2007.
A Bridgepoint spokesperson added: "This is a logical and exciting development which should ensure that both these fantastic championships continue to flourish."
