BMW in MotoGP? That rumor has been floating around for some time, but now it has more teeth. It is no secret that BMW is making a strong push with High Performance models – similar to special automobiles produced by its “M” division. The first of these to break cover was the HP2 enduro racer, but there is clearly more to come in the form of sportbikes.
Expect new BMWs powered by both the 1200cc boxer engine as well as the new inline four-cylinder K motor aimed at competing with hardcore sport machines from other manufacturers. High output engines and low weight will be emphasized, just as they were with the HP2.
Virtually every other manufacturer producing hardcore sports machinery has a roadracing program as part of its marketing strategy. Expect the same from BMW – competing either in MotoGP or World Superbike (which would require, of course, homologation of a street machine), or both.
If BMW enters MotoGP, it would clearly make things more interesting for a number of reasons. First, unlike everyone else, it is a corporation large enough, and wealthy enough, to compete straight up with Honda and Yamaha. Second, BMW has lots of experience in the four-wheel form of MotoGP racing… F1. With that experience, BMW arguably has a head start on everyone except Honda when it comes to designing a high-output, prototype, four-stroke race motor.
New product is rolling out of BMW at a blistering pace, but there is no official announcement regarding a roadrace program, as yet. Stay tuned.
