For the first time, BMW has acknowledged that it has been considering making a MotoGP entry as the championship introduces its next phase of regulation changes.
Rumours linking BMW with an entry into MotoGP are hotting up after the giant manufacturer’s new boss Markus Flasch admitted there could be a possibility of making an entry into the premier bike series in the future.
Furthermore, Flasch’s remarks imply that the information shared by sources in recent weeks on a possible BMW debut in 2027 in tandem with looming MotoGP regulation changes is not mere speculation. There are even rumors that an agreement has already been reached with series organizers Dorna.
The introduction of entirely sustainable fuel and a move to smaller 850cc engines are two of the changes to the MotoGP regulations set for 2027.
Speaking to the German publication Motorrad, Flasch—who joined the two-wheeled department in Munich last November after serving as the head of BMW’s M Sport division—made it clear that he is above all else “an absolute advocate of motorsport” and that he sees BMW’s involvement in the sport growing in a number of ways going forward.
“It is, for me, indisputable that well-executed motorsport programmes make a genuine contribution to brand strength and enthusiasm within the community,” he said. “Therefore you can assume that we at BMW Motorrad will continue to strengthen our motorsport commitment.”
Unverified rumors indicate that the manufacturer has already signed a deal that will see it enter the premier class in 2027, coinciding with the championship’s most significant rule change since the 800cc machines were replaced with the current 1000cc bikes at the beginning of 2012.
In response to questions about whether this is part of a wider plan to develop a new MotoGP bike, Head of BMW Motorrad Markus Flasch confirmed to Motorsport.com that the company is in fact considering a move into the premier class series.
“2027 could be the perfect time to get involved in MotoGP as this is when a new regulation will be introduced,” he said. “We are in contact with Dorna and we are talking about the regulations.
“It is part of our evaluation. The 2027 season would be an obvious time to start. But that does not pressure us to make a decision.”
Several sources in the MotoGP paddock suggest that this commitment may already be beyond the stage where won’t rule it out. It’s no secret that Dorna is holding onto the two grid slots left empty by Suzuki to allow an additional factory entry, even if it means turning down KTM’s request for expansion in 2024.
And this gives BMW an easy means to enter the championship for the first time in the modern era, since teams like Triumph, Kawasaki, and Suzuki have shown little interest in returning to the premier class.
“I see BMW quite fast in testing in Superbike with Razgatlioglu,” said Aprilia team boss Masimo Rivola at last month’s Sepang test.
“So it would be nice. To be honest, with all respect, we need more constructors than [another] satellite team… For the benefit of the sport, to make it bigger.
“I don’t know if Kawasaki or Suzuki wants to come back, but it would be nice to have a [new] manufacturer on board for sure.”
There is already a noticeable BMW presence in the field of two-wheeled racing. The World Superbikes team made a significant acquisition this year in the form of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the 2021 champion along with investing in the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race and the FIM Endurance World Championship.
In addition to the WSBK and BMW’s other ongoing programs in the German IDM series and the Endurance World Championship, Flasch stated that “other possibilities” would be considered.
“BMW M has been for years the vehicle partner of MotoGP,” he said. “As BMW M boss I have been to races, I know the people involved and we are a present brand there.
“But it has to make sense for us, that’s clear, and that’s why we are taking a detailed look at it. I would not rule it out.”
It was announced earlier this month that former CEO Marc Bongers would be concentrating on the company’s current WorldSBK endeavors while Sven Blusch, who oversaw the design and development of the company’s Formula E entry and Le Mans 24 Hours return, will take over as head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
“The key to a decision is to convince people of the idea,” Flasch added. “A strategic analysis is necessary. Financing is just one aspect. Branding is another.
“If the analysis is convincing and has internal support, the decision does not depend on who is the CEO of BMW Motorrad.
“The most important aspect is the brand. MotoGP is about the brand and the global reach. That is why companies participate. Technology transfer is another aspect, but it is only the second most important point.”
