For many months, BMW has been thinking about arriving in MotoGP. A place has been free on the grid since the departure of Suzuki at the end of 2022 and the championship reserves it for a sixth manufacturer, which led to the refusal of an additional satellite team for KTM last year. Regulation 2027, with the launch of a new generation of motorcycles, is seen as the ideal time for BMW to get involved.
The manufacturer already has links with Dorna Sports, organizer of the biggest competitions on two wheels, since it is present in WorldSBK and currently leads the championship thanks to Toprak Razgatlioglu, recruited this year. At the start of the year, BMW confirmed “study closely” a commitment to MotoGP and he carefully followed the drafting of the new regulations, which seemed to satisfy him.
Several months later, the decision regarding the arrival of BMW in the premier category is still awaited, but an outcome is expected in the heart of winter.
“We must continue to analyze the world of motorcycle racing on an international scale”said Sven Blusch, head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport since spring. “MotoGP is obviously the first priority we are looking at, but it will be a few months before we can decide anything.”
Manufacturers currently involved in MotoGP are starting to prepare the 2027 regulations, and a freeze on engine development will be on the agenda to allow them to devote resources to the new project. Time is running out for BMW but the brand will not seek to rush a commitment according to Blusch.
“2027 is coming very quickly, but there is no deadline on our side. If we don’t debut in 2027, that doesn’t mean it would be impossible for 2028. We are continuing to evaluate the issue.”
BMW downsizes in WorldSBK
For the moment, the signals are nevertheless rather negative. BMW Motorrad Motorsport will have to deal with a budget “slightly reduced” next year according to Blusch, which will lead to the separation with the Bonovo team in WorldSBK, to only enter the two machines of the official team. “It is not possible to do more at the moment”assured the leader.
Toprak Razgatlioglu leads WorldSBK with BMW this year
Photo de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
At the start of 2023, BMW decided to increase its budget, which led to the signing of Razgatlioglu, with the success that we know. Involvement in WorldSBK could however be completely called into question in the event of involvement in MotoGP but Blusch assures that he is “much too early” to decide on the issue.
“We will use the winter months to think about strategy. In the team, it is important that everyone focuses on the World Superbike Championship at the moment.”
With Sebastian Fränzschky
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