MotoGP Maintains 22-Rider Grid, Doors Open for BMW Through Existing Team Partnership Amidst Suzuki Slot Closure

MotoGP maintains a lineup of 22 racers, necessitating BMW to partner with a current team if they wish to join, as the previous Suzuki positions are no longer held for potential newcomers to the MotoGP roster.

Carlos Ezpeleta, the Chief Sporting Officer at Dorna, announced that MotoGP intends to maintain its existing grid size, meaning any new entrants like BMW would have to partner with an existing team. This comes after Suzuki's unexpected departure at the close of 2022, which reduced the grid from 24 to 22 competitors.

Early enthusiasm was shown for acquiring the grid positions for an alternative Independent project that would operate satellite motorcycles. However, it was definitively stated that only a sixth manufacturer could take over Suzuki's spots on the grid.

Ezpeleta informed Speedweek.com that the former Suzuki slots are not being held for a new initiative, and the MotoGP grid will continue to consist of 22 racers.

Ultimately, Ezpeleta emphasized, the focus is on the excellence of the eleven teams. The number of manufacturers supplying these teams, be it five or six, is a secondary concern. However, he openly stated that currently, their main goal is to have five manufacturers.

"This doesn't imply an intention to block a sixth manufacturer from joining – rather, it suggests that any additional manufacturer would need to collaborate with one of the eleven teams.

"Eleven groups, consisting of 22 competitors in total, is a constant number."

The statement implies that BMW, who is at the forefront of the WorldSBK championship with Toprak Razgatlioglu and is speculated to be contemplating an entry into MotoGP, would have to collaborate with one of the six Independent teams, similar to what Aprilia did with Gresini.

A significant advantage of a Factory-Independent collaboration is that the newcomer manufacturer immediately benefits from an established MotoGP team, avoiding the need to create a racing team from the ground up.

It's possible, though not highly probable, that if one of the current manufacturers exits, BMW may take the opportunity to claim its spots on the grid.

The introduction of new technical regulations for 2027, particularly the reduction to 850cc engines, presents the ideal opportunity for a new manufacturer to join the premier class.

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