**MotoGP Confirms Steady Grid Size, Paving the Way for Potential BMW Entry Through Existing Teams**

MotoGP maintains its lineup of 22 riders, and BMW would have to join an already established team. The grid spots previously held by Suzuki are no longer set aside for a new manufacturer in MotoGP.

Dorna’s Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, stated that MotoGP does not intend to expand the current number of participants on the grid. Consequently, any new manufacturer, like BMW, would have to join forces with an existing team. The abrupt departure of Suzuki at the close of 2022 reduced the grid from 24 to 22 riders.

Though there was some early interest in acquiring the grid slots for another independent initiative involving satellite bikes, it became evident that only a sixth manufacturer could take over Suzuki's grid positions.

Ezpeleta informed Speedweek.com that the vacant spots left by Suzuki will not be kept for a new team, and the MotoGP roster will stay at 22 riders.

Ultimately, the primary concern for us is the caliber of the eleven teams," Ezpeleta stated. "The number of manufacturers supplying these teams, whether it's five or six, is a secondary issue. However, it's clear that our current focus is on having five manufacturers."

"This doesn't imply that we aim to block a sixth manufacturer from joining; however, it does indicate that any new manufacturer would need to collaborate with one of the existing eleven teams."

"A total of 11 teams, comprising 22 riders, have been confirmed."

This implies that BMW, which is presently at the forefront of the WorldSBK championship with Toprak Razgatlioglu and is speculated to be eyeing a MotoGP entry, would have to collaborate with one of the six Independent teams, similar to how Aprilia partnered with Gresini in the past.

One benefit of forming a partnership with an independent factory is that the new manufacturer can immediately work with a well-established MotoGP team, avoiding the need to create a race team from the ground up.

A more improbable situation would involve one of the current manufacturers leaving, allowing BMW to take their spot on the grid.

The introduction of new technical regulations in 2027, which will feature smaller 850cc engines, presents the most opportune time for a new manufacturer to join the top-tier category.

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