PARIS (AFP) - A new chapter dawns for Formula One with American media mogul John Malone poised to become the glittering but flawed sporting jewel's new custodian.

The Malone-backed Liberty Media has emerged in pole position to buy F1 after interest from broadcaster Sky, Paris Saint-Germain's owner Qatar Sports Investments and Stephen Ross, owner of MLS side the Miami Dolphins, waned.

The high octane sport's octogenarian ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport at last weekend's Italian Grand Prix that a deal was imminent, possibly as early as Tuesday.

Monday's edition of British newspaper Financial Times suggested talks between Liberty Media and current 35 per cent majority stake owners CVC Partners, were "at an advanced stage".

The 75-year-old Malone's media empire is expected to take an initial 10 to 15 per cent stake valued at US$1.3 billion (S$1.76 billion) to US$2.7 billion, en route to becoming majority owners in a deal valuing F1 at US$8 to US$9 billion.

The FT, quoting "people briefed in the talks", say that Chase Carey, executive vice-chairman of Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox, would be appointed F1's new chairman.

Liberty Media already has interest in several sports and entertainment businesses, including the Atlanta Braves Major League baseball team.

If it goes ahead this deal would end years of rumour and speculation over F1's future.

Ecclestone, who owns 5.3 per cent and with his Bambino Trust a further 8.3 per cent, is the mastermind behind F1's evolution over the past 40 years into a billion-dollar sporting business.

Ecclestone, who forked up US$100 million to the German authorities to end a high profile bribery trial in 2014, held talks with CVC co-chairman Donald Mackenzie at Monza, the BBC reported.

With the sport's attraction to television audiences undermined by the recent domination of first Red Bull and now Mercedes, Liberty's arrival was welcomed by key personalities in the pits.

Red Bull's Christian Horner told The Guardian: "It could be a really exciting deal for Formula One if it happens... but for a new group to come in without (Ecclestone) being there would be very difficult, so I'd assume he'll be around for some time."

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was equally enthusiastic.

"If there is an investor that wants to buy the shares it is good news for Formula One. It is good news that an American media company buys Formula One."