BMW’s Interest Piqued: Will 2027 MotoGP Rules Finally Tempt Entry?

Major regulatory changes were expected, including a reduction in engine size from 1000 cc to 850 cc, as well as new restrictions on aerodynamics and the use of 100 percent non-fossil fuel.

But a blanket ban on ride-height devices and holeshot devices was also announced, as was the sharing of GPS data between all teams.

“Many of these changes are aimed at reducing performance, and we know that the bikes were overpowered at some tracks,” said Crash.net’s MotoGP reporter Pete McLaren.

“The engines will be smaller, but crucially, they’re also reducing the cylinder diameter, and there’s an article on Crash.net this year that explains why that’s important.

“Most of the changes were to be expected, although the GPS part caught my eye. Perhaps this is a welcome sign for a new manufacturer, as it will allow teams to match their bikes to their competitors on every part of the track to be compared.

“It will show much more clearly where a manufacturer is struggling and where it is strong.

“It’s important because, as we’ve seen with Honda and Yamaha so far this year, they’ve made concessions, but it’s still a slow process to get performance.

“Even now, we hear slightly different things from the riders about the weakest point of their bikes. For example, at Honda, we initially heard a lot about rear grip, but lately, it seems that cornering has been the main problem.

“Both are important and possibly related, but comparing the GPS data will allow Honda engineers to see exactly where they are losing the most time and determine development much more precisely.

“It won’t automatically deliver any performance just by looking at this data, but every plant will know where they need to work. And if you’re a new manufacturer coming in, it will give you peace of mind that you have a clear path.” to make your bike competitive.

“It would be great if this data were also available to fans and the media to compare the strengths and weaknesses of different drivers—how does Marc Marquez’s corner braking compare to Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin?

“In general, most of the rule changes seem aimed at reducing the performance of the current bikes. But the big question remains: What will the real difference be to lap times?”

Social media manager and podcast host Jordan Moreland said: “I think the ride height devices have had a huge impact on lap times, and banning them will make the race better. I also think reducing aerodynamics is positive.

“On the other hand, I’ve seen a lot of people on social media saying that MotoGP bikes will become like Moto2 bikes. However, Moto2 is powered by a street-based engine that does 185 mph, and MotoGP will still be comfortably over 200 mph.

“But could we see a change in the order, like what happened in 2007 when Ducati dominated the start of the 800cc era with Casey Stoner?”

McLaren replied: “There’s always that chance, and there’s always the risk that things will be more spread out between manufacturers after big rule changes.

“All manufacturers will look for a ‘loophole’ in the new rules or try to find the key to being fast in the new era. What should they prioritise?

“Ducati surprised everyone in 2007. There is always the possibility of it happening again.

“But Corrado Cecchinelli, at the time an important part of Ducati’s design team, is now Dorna’s Director of Technology. So he knows exactly how to approach a new set of rules, and that will help make sure that no one can escape through anyone.

“All the manufacturers have agreed to these changes and now have a few years to work on their new bikes. And every new manufacturer knows exactly what the playing field is going to be and can decide if they want to enter the MotoGP.”

Moreland added: “The new rules seem to be fundamentally more simplified, especially for a new manufacturer coming in. They don’t have to worry about ride height equipment, and the aerodynamics will be reduced.

“Do you think this is the perfect opportunity for BMW because it looks so welcoming?”

Crash.net’s WorldSBK reporter Robert Jones responded: “I think BMW is the type of manufacturer that MotoGP is looking for, and these rules follow the cues already given by BMW in MotoGP.

“We know BMW can handle MotoGP, and they have already taken a MotoGP-style approach to the WorldSBK project, not only investing in the team.