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The 2027 revolution is still a long way off, but most manufacturers are already preparing for the advent of new MotoGP bikes with smaller displacement - 850 cc - less aerodynamics and, probably, with less starting assistance.
The regulations are not yet final, but it seems more than likely that in 2025 we will see the last evolution of the current 'monsters', to go through a year of freezing technologies in 2026. A year at the end of which, not coincidentally, all the contracts of the riders in the lineup will also expire.
It is no mystery that in recent seasons we have seen a downsizing of overall spending, which must reflect market value. Except in rare cases, the cost of the hires, and not only of the riders, has also decreased so much that we have seen several movements of even important technicians. The case of Max Bartolini is a fine example.
It's not just a question of wanting to excel. Often the motivations are much more prosaic, and they boil down to one thing, the almighty dollar (or euro?). A manufacturer that is winning everything, such as Ducati, cannot play catch-up, which is why technical bosses and engineers have sought other accommodations.
Except to find out later that, perhaps, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence, just have a look at KTM's current situation.
Meanwhile, motorcycle racing in late 2022 witnessed the exit of Suzuki, a seemingly inexplicable decision given that it ended its adventure with Alex Rins' victory in the last round of the championship in Valencia, demonstrating the competitiveness of its four-cylinder inline-four GSX-RR.
One of the best teams in the championship has now been spread around among the current teams, while its team principal, Livio Suppo, is still standing at the window looking in. The Hamamatsu manufacturer's legacy, however, could return to MotoGP in the form of the data collected by its engineers. Indeed, our well-informed colleague Max Oxley picked up some news at Silverstone that BMW might be interested in buying it for a record 20 million euros.
An expense justified by the information that the engineers in Munich could draw upon should they decide to enter MotoGP, as many beginning with Carmelo Ezpeleta hope, starting precisely with the introduction of the new rules in 2027.
To justify the spectacular figure there is talk of BMW's forward leaning inline-four engine, which is similar to Suzuki's. According to these rumors, the chassis data could also be interesting, since the Japanese manufacturer was among the first (actually Yamaha has been doing this for years) to use deformable structures in the front part of the frame, to make the suspension and tyres work better at very high angles of inclination.
However, we are talking about data from late 2022, which is now available to everyone. Moreover, aerodynamics has made great strides in recent seasons, although it is true that the indication is to go back.
It is a nice idea, however, that BMW is deepening its knowledge of the MotoGP world before a possible entry. Will it be enough that the current CEO, Markus Flasch, was head of the 'M' brand that identifies the Munich-based manufacturer's sports cars?
It is also true, however, that this year BMW, after hiring Toprak Razgatlioglu, is dominating Superbike and thanks to superconcessions has won 12 of the first 18 races, confirming that in motorcycle racing it is still the rider who makes the difference.
The Turk, however, was born in 1996, which means that in 2027 he will already be 31 years old. Too old? After all, that is the same age as Marc Marquez is today.
What is certain is that Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, will also have to get busy soon on the technician market if it really wants to be ready in 2027. Which does not seem to be happening at the moment.
As you may recall, there was talk of BMW joining as early as 2003, when the development of a BMW prototype with an engine developed by Mauro Forghierì's Oral Engeneering ran with Luca Cadalora as a test rider. Pictures were artfully circulated, but nothing came of it. And the Modena rider of that bike does not exactly have fond memories of it.
