What could happen with BMW in SBK if it enters MotoGP

The MotoGP World Championship recently presented the new regulations which will come into force in 2027. As expected, the premier class will move to 850cc engines, height devices will be banned and aerodynamics will be reduced. For new manufacturers, this new round of technical regulations could be a good time to start their championship journey. BMW has confirmed its interest in the premier class on several occasions. But until now it was unclear what would become of the WSBK project in the event of entry into MotoGP.

At the end of March, Markus Flasch, CEO of the Bavarian company’s motorcycle division, visited the World Superbike round in Barcelona and talked about a possible arrival in MotoGP. However, when asked by Motorsport.com’s sister site, “Motorsport-Total.com”, he left open the question of what would happen to the championship for production-derived bikes in that case.

On the occasion of the Assen round, BMW Motorsport director Marc Bongers was asked again what impact the launch of a MotoGP project would have on the Superbike World Championship. BMW has two options: do like Ducati and create synergies between the two championships, or follow the path chosen by Aprilia ten years ago and focus only on MotoGP.

There is no concrete plan yet,” explained Marc Bongers in an exclusive interview with ‘Motorsport-Total.com’. But, according to him, there are no plans to leave World Superbike for the heavy bike class.” With both championships you reach different targets,” he explained. According to him, the product is the protagonist in Superbike, while in MotoGP it is the brand, the marketing. “It is clear that MotoGP offers a broader stage, which goes beyond the target of absolute motorcycle enthusiasts.

However, Bongers confirms at the same time that WSBK is also important for BMW, should it decide to enter MotoGP: “Customers who choose to purchase an M1000RR have a much greater affinity with World Superbike. This radiates all the way to national championships, such as the IDM [campionato nazionale tedesco SBK], and then to amateur pilots. This way we reach people who act as ambassadors and customers for the brand. This doesn’t happen in MotoGP.

The topic of MotoGP is unlikely to keep Bongers busy in the future. In mid-March BMW announced the strengthening of the structure of the motorcycle racing department. From June, the manager will be able to fully focus on World Superbike and Endurance racing, as Sven Blusch will take on the role of competition manager for the two-wheel division. Bongers’ new role could be a further indication that BMW will maintain the WSBK project, whatever happens with the premier class.