For more than 25 years, BMW M GmbH has been a pillar of MotoGP with its official cars and the “BMW MotoGP Best Qualifier Award”. However, the big stage has always eluded them. Since the start of the millennium, BMW has flirted with the idea of entering the royal arena of two wheels. In 2002, the 990 cc three-cylinder engine was ready with Luca Cadalora as test driver. At Christmas 2006, Dr. Herbert Diess sealed a promise with Carmelo Ezpeleta to enter the 800cc class in 2007. With each rule change, BMW came closer, even offering engines in 2012.
BMW has been considering an entry into MotoGP for several years. Despite much speculation, the German manufacturer has still not taken the plunge. Sven Blushcompetition director at BMW motorcycletook stock of the situation during the
presentation of the teams BMW
for the 2025 Superbike and Endurance world championships. With the reduction in displacement planned for 2027, the boss since November 2023 Mark Flasch launched an arrow of hope during the Barcelona race in March 2024: “ when everyone is starting from scratch, it's time to get started. »
In a recent interview with Speedweek in Berlin,
Sven Blush clarified: “ what is important at this stage, is that decisions cannot be made quickly. We want to set it up in such a way that it is of a long-term plan“. This cautious approach is part of a much broader strategy on the part of BMWwhich seeks not only to be competitive but also to ensure that its commitment to MotoGP is sustainable. “ We don't do anything unless it fits into the overall strategy of the board of directors“, he adds, emphasizing the importance of a consistent and integrated approach to the brand.
BMW : « the mentality should be that motorcycle sport helps you grow, growth is the most important keyword »
BMW has already been involved in MotoGP, but on a more modest scale, providing official cars for the series and sponsoring events like the “BMW MotoGP Best Qualifier Award”. However, the idea of becoming a main player in the championship, with a dedicated motorcycle team, remained on hold. However, with the regulations on engine capacities in 2027 and the transition to motorcycles 850 cc, the opportunity could be ideal for
BMW to make his entrance in a serious way.
Blush et bottlewho share a common vision, insist on the importance of not rushing this entry, but of ensuring that the commitment of
BMW in MotoGP is part of a global growth strategy. “ The goal is that we will know by the middle of the year which direction we are going“, specifies Blushadding that no final decision has yet been made.
BMW sees motorcycle sport, and in particular MotoGP, as a powerful growth lever for the brand. “ The mentality must be that motorcycle sport helps you grow“, affirms Blush. The brand wants to develop further in America and in
Asiaand MotoGP could be a great way to do that. Other companies have already shown how to use competition as a strategic tool to conquer new markets. “ Growth is the most important keyword“, concludes Blush.
Although entry into MotoGP is not yet confirmed,
BMW is working on the strategy that could mark its arrival in the premier category. Their careful and considered approach could transform MotoGP into a long-term strategic platform, which would not only benefit the brand but also its global expansion.
