Dorna’s Sporting Director Carlos Ezpeleta has revealed the one condition that must be met by any manufacturer wishing to join MotoGP in the future.
German marque BMW has previously expressed an interest in entering the premier class, an interest that has heightened following its decision to acquire Suzuki data.
The prospect of BMW joining has been rumoured for a possible 2027 entry, ahead of one of the most significant regulation changes in MotoGP’s history.
“I think that the championship is in an incredible moment sportingly,” Dorna sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta told Relevo.
“With more factories it would be better, maybe yes.
“Maybe we don’t know, it depends on the performance, the investment, the promotion that that brand does.
“What we are clear about is that the door is open, but it has to be with an agreement with the existing teams because our goal is not to exceed the number of 22 riders and not to exceed the number of 11 teams.
“We have 11 teams, they all have a value and if someone wants to enter they will have to reach an agreement with one of those teams.
“What we have tried to do is to establish a technical regulation so that a new factory can enter, let’s say, a reasonable investment and that it will later have an effect on its business, which is what we are trying to do.”
Suzuki boss shows interest in MotoGP return
Another manufacturer that has confirmed its interest in a possible MotoGP return is Japanese manufacturer Suzuki.
Suzuki decided to quit the sport at the end of the 2022 season, but stated that a return to the series would only occur when the company is comfortable with its product line of road bikes.
“The MotoGP victories were obviously very important for us,” Toshihiro Suzuki told Corriere dello Sport.
“But it’s no use to us if we don’t have a complete and varied range of models for all motorcycle enthusiasts. And I don’t think we’re in that situation at the moment.
“It is important that we quickly offer a complete product range that satisfies today’s riders. If everything goes well, we will then return to racing – and win again.”
These quotes arrived after the true extent of KTM’s financial situation was revealed, as the manufacturer’s long-term MotoGP plan has yet to be shown beyond 2025.
Despite not ruling out a possible return, the repercussions leave Suzuki in a challenging situation, given Dorna’s adamant desire to maintain a grid of 11 teams.
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