Currently, there are five manufacturers competing in MotoGP, namely Aprilia, Ducati, Yamaha, Honda and KTM. Not long ago, BMW Motorrad was reportedly interested in competing. Previously, BMW Motorrad said it had no intention of competing in the MotoGP world championship. The German manufacturer only participates in World Superbike (WorldSBK).
BMW already has a presence in top-line motorcycle racing thanks to its factory team in the World Superbike Championship, but a MotoGP programme would be of a much bigger scale. Apart from WSBK, BMW also has a presence in the FIM Endurance World Championship, which includes the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours enduro, as well as the German IDM series.
With Markus Flasch now serving as CEO of BMW Motorrad, coupled with the latest MotoGP format on sprint races, BMW Motorrad is said to be interested in competing with other motorbike manufacturers. “BMW M has been a MotoGP vehicle partner for many years. As BMW M boss, I have attended all the races, I know the people responsible and we are the brand that is present there,” said Markus on Tuesday (19/3/2024). “But it’s clear that this has to make sense for us, and that’s why we’re looking at it. I wouldn’t rule that out,” Markus said.
At a test session at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia, last February, Massimo Rivola from Aprilia said that it would be very exciting for MotoGP to welcome a new manufacturer that will replace Suzuki when the technical regulations change in 2027. Rivola even mentioned BMW’s name by pointing to the speed of the BMW S 1000 RR driven by Toprak Razgatlioglu.
MotoGP suddenly lost Suzuki two years ago despite having a long-term contract with the Japanese manufacturer. Now, MotoGP is set to switch to smaller capacity 850cc engines and introduce fully sustainable fuel in 2027, two major changes it hopes will attract another brand to the series.
Apart from that, Toprak could also enter MotoGP with BMW. Aprilia is using the RSV4 engine used in WorldSBK as the basis for the manufacturer’s return to MotoGP. This motorbike was converted into the RS-GP prototype which is currently one of the winning motorbikes.
“I saw the BMW quite fast in testing in Superbike with Razgatlioglu. So, it will be fun,” said Rivola. Dorna Sports itself reportedly still hopes to attract a sixth manufacturer to MotoGP.
