CVC Capital Partners, which on Friday took a controlling stake in the group that runs Formula One, must be hoping that it has better luck than other private equity firms that have invested in motor racing's showcase series. The sport has not proved the happiest of hunting grounds for many in the past.

Morgan Grenfell Private Equity and Hellman & Friedman acquired a 50% stake between them in Formula One's holding company SLEC in 1999 and 2000 for a total of £812m.