BMW One Step Closer to MotoGP Entry After Acquiring Suzuki Data

BMW had already become a genuine contender to join MotoGP in 2027 after BMW Motorrad boss Markus Flasch hinted at the upcoming regulation change being a way in for the German brand, but now the proof appears to be in the pudding after BMW has reportedly bought Suzuki’s recent MotoGP data for 18m Euros.

"It's no secret that I have a great passion for MotoGP,” Flasch told Motorsport.com a few months ago. “But we are not going to make decisions just because the CEO has a certain passion. Our task is to be successful in the Superbike World Championship. At the same time, we are analysing where WSBK is heading and whether it makes sense for us to take a step forward."

Flasch then added further fuel to the fire by saying: "We are in contact with Dorna and we are discussing the regulations. It is part of our evaluation. The 2027 season would be an obvious time to start. But that does not put us under pressure to make a decision.”

BMW’s presence in MotoGP can’t be overlooked as they already provide the safety car and medical vehicles for all three championships (including Moto2 and Moto3), therefore its partnership with Dorna is a very secure one. But joining the series as a competitor might not be the easiest to achieve.

Yes, BMW has made no secret of its hopes to join MotoGP as a competitor, and buying Suzuki’s data is a massive statement of intent, but as recently as the last 48 hours Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta admitted there won’t be an increase in teams going forward.

That means the current grid, which consists of 11 teams and 22 riders, will remain as is beyond the new regulations in 2027, which is the year BMW are thought to be keen on producing its MotoGP team. Does that stop a manufacturer like BMW from entering MotoGP? Of course not. However, what it does mean is BMW would need to work together with another company to make it work. 

We’ve already seen Yamaha open their sizable wallet to convince the Pramac Ducati satellite team to move across to M1 machinery in 2025, so BMW, especially with the type of resources it possesses, would be able to acquire a team without thinking twice. However, a new manufacturer joining the grid would require help from one of the existing MotoGP brands.

The big changes for 2027 include smaller engines as the current 1000cc bikes will drop to a capacity of 850, while there will also be the introduction of fully sustainable fuel. BMW are currently enjoying its best season ever in WorldSBK, and Toprak Razgatlioglu, who has now won 13 races on the bounce, looks a shoe-in to become a two-time world champion in 2024.

Razgatlioglu, who has failed to secure a switch to MotoGP over the last couple of seasons, still yearns for the opportunity to become a grand prix rider, but that is most likely to take place with BMW if it decides to fully commit to entering MotoGP in 2027. 

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