MotoGP Boss Confirms Entry Requirement for BMW or Suzuki

With BMW hinting several times at the prospect of joining MotoGP (2027 appears to be the most likely year for that given the new regulations), and Suzuki recently admitting it is open to making a return in the future, the requirements to gain a place on the grid will mean inheriting a current team rather than being granted two new grid slots.

With finances capable of building a MotoGP project, continued interest in Grand Prix racing, and the best Superbike rider in the world (Toprak Razgatlioglu) currently in its line-up, a switch to MotoGP for BMW looks like a realistic option in the next few years.

The German brand has not been shy in voicing its MotoGP interest, while Suzuki recently claimed it has an interest in potentially returning to Grand Prix racing in the future.

But to do so, either or both manufacturers would need to strike a deal with one of the five existing brands, meaning taking over a satellite team is the only option.

Currently there are 11 teams on the grid, meaning 22 grid slots, and MotoGP has no interest in expanding the current field. Of course, if KTM, due to its financial issues was to pull out of MotoGP, then that would be two teams (four bikes) which would become available, although there’s currently no indication of that happening.

Ducati has the most teams (three) and bikes (six) on the grid despite losing Pramac to Yamaha for 2025, but with every other company currently consisting of two teams (four bikes) striking a deal with Ducati would potentially be the easiest route into as MotoGP as Dorna wants the championship to be as competitive as possible between different brands.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Relovo, Dorna sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta said: “I think that the championship is in an incredible moment. With more factories it would be better, maybe yes. Maybe we don't know, it depends on the performance, the investment, the promotion that that brand does.

“What we are clear about is that the door is open, but it has to be with an agreement with the existing teams because our goal is not to exceed the number of 22 riders and not to exceed the number of 11 teams. We have 11 teams, they all have a value and if someone wants to enter they will have to reach an agreement with one of those teams.

“What we have tried to do is to establish a technical regulation so that a new factory can enter, let's say, a reasonable investment and that it will later have an effect on its business, which is what we are trying to do.”

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