For over 25 years, BMW M GmbH has been a mainstay of MotoGP with its official cars and the "BMW MotoGP Best Qualifier Award". However, the big stage has always eluded them. Since the turn of the millennium, BMW has been flirting 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 rider. At Christmas 3, Dr. Herbert Diess sealed a promise with Carmelo Ezpeleta to enter the 2006 cc class in 800. With each change of regulations, BMW has come close, even offering engines in 3.
BMW has been considering entering MotoGP for several years. Despite much speculation, the German manufacturer has yet to take the plunge. Sven Blusch, competition director at BMW Motorrad, took stock of the situation during the team presentation BMW for the 2025 Superbike and Endurance World Championships. With the reduction in cylinder capacity planned for 2027, the boss since November 2023 Markus Flasch launched an arrow of hope during the Barcelona race in March 2024: “ When everyone starts from scratch, it's time to get started"
In a recent interview with speedweek in Berlin, Sven Blusch clarified: “ what is important at this stage, is that decisions cannot be made quickly. We want to set it up in a way that it is of a long term plan"This cautious approach is part of a much broader strategy on the part of BMW, who is not only looking to be competitive but also to ensure that his commitment to MotoGP is sustainable. We don't do anything without it being part of the overall strategy of the board of directors." he adds, stressing the importance of a consistent and integrated approach to the brand.
BMW: " the mentality must be that motorcycle sport helps to 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 such as the BMW MotoGP Best Qualifier Award. However, the idea of becoming a main player in the championship, with a team dedicated to the bike, has remained on hold. Yet with the engine size regulations in place, 2027 and the transition to motorcycles 850 cc, the opportunity could be ideal for BMW to make his entrance in a serious manner.
Blush et Flash, who 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 know by the middle of the year in which direction we are going." , precise Blush, adding that no final decision has yet been made.
BMW sees in motorcycle sport, and in particular in MotoGP, a powerful lever of growth for the brand. The mentality must be that motorcycle sport helps you grow", Affirms BlushThe brand wants to develop further in America and Asia, and MotoGP could be a great way to do that. Other companies have already shown how to use racing as a strategic tool to conquer new markets. Growth is the most important keyword“, concludes Blush.
Although the entry into MotoGP is not yet confirmed, BMW is working on the strategy that could mark its arrival in the premier class. Their cautious and thoughtful approach could transform MotoGP into a long-term strategic platform, which would benefit not only the brand but also its global expansion.