BMW's entry into MotoGP, hoped for in 2027, seems increasingly compromised as financial challenges mount for the Bavarian giant. In November 2023, BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch had expressed his ambition to join the premier class of motorcycling within three years. However, since that announcement, the rumors and momentum for the project seem to have dissipated, mainly due to a difficult economic situation in the automotive industry.
Recent changes within BMW Motorrad have given signals of preparation for a possible entry into MotoGP. But, despite these developments, no concrete announcement has been made regarding the project, leaving doubts as to its success. Even if 2027, the year when new technical regulations will be implemented in MotoGP, seems to be the target date, BMW does not have much time to lose in setting up this major project.
Sven Blusch, head of racing at BMW, recently confirmed at the WSBK round in Aragon that The budget allocated to motor sports for 2025 had been reducedHe cited the global economic situation to justify this budget cut, stressing that the sports strategy of BMW will probably suffer from it. The budget will be a little reduced for next year" , said Blush. “ This does not help from the point of view of our strategy, but it is important to maintain motorsport as a key element of BMW Motorrad"
This budget reduction had an immediate impact, particularly on the project Superbike de BMW. One of the direct consequences is the loss of the Bonovo satellite team, which means that BMW will now only participate with two official motorcycles in the championship. We have to focus 100% on these two bikes for now,” has explained Blush, while admitting that it was not the ideal solution, but dictated by financial constraints.
Sven Blusch BMW: “ If we are not ready for 2027, that does not mean that 2028 would not be an option »
Despite these difficulties, the ambition of BMW joining MotoGP is not completely ruled out. Blush affirmed that MotoGP remains a priority, even if internal discussions within BMW continue. We continue to analyze the panorama of world motorcycling. MotoGP is obviously our top priority., but it will take a few months before to be able to announce something concrete"
2027 seemed to be the ideal year for the entry of BMW, with the change of regulations in MotoGP. However, Blush is cautious and does not exclude the possibility of delaying this entry. 2027 is near, but there is no imposed deadline. If we are not ready for 2027, that does not mean that 2028 would not be an option."
These uncertainties also raise questions about the future of the program. Superbike de BMW. Last April, Marc Bongers, sports director of BMW, had assured that the Superbike project would continue, regardless of the development of the MotoGP project. However, recent statements by Blush leave doubt hanging. We are 100% focused on the Superbike World Championship for the moment, and we will use the winter months to evaluate our overall strategy"
The financial situation of BMW Motorrad comes amid a global context of poor results for the Bavarian group Although the core brand recorded slight growth of 2,3% in the first half of 2024, the subsidiaries Mini et Rolls-Royce suffered significant declines of 18,7% and 11,4%, respectively. Overall, BMW Group sold 0,1 percent fewer vehicles than in the previous year, increasing the pressure on his various projects, including his involvement in motorsports.
Faced with these financial challenges, the future of BMW en MotoGP remains uncertain. If the company manages to maintain its ambition of joining the premier class, it will have to overcome significant financial obstacles in the coming years.