- From 2027, MotoGP will switch from 1,000cc to 850cc engines
- According to reports, several manufacturers are considering entering the series in the long term
- BMW is currently considered the most likely candidate for a new entry
MotoGP is in a phase of growth. Viewer numbers, reach, and interest from manufacturers have recently increased. Against this backdrop, potential new entrants are coming into focus, even if no concrete commitments have been made yet. Below are five brands that are repeatedly mentioned in connection with a possible entry. The order is based on the current estimated probability.
Kawasaki: No plans to return at present
Kawasaki is first on the list, although a return is currently considered unlikely. The Japanese manufacturer competed in MotoGP between 2003 and 2008, but withdrew due to high costs and the global economic situation at the time.
Since then, Kawasaki has focused on the Superbike World Championship, where it has enjoyed great success, including several consecutive titles. However, the company has not recently indicated any plans to return to MotoGP. Financial and strategic considerations are said to continue to argue against involvement in the premier class.
CFMoto: Ambitious newcomer with an open goal
CFMoto is considered one of the most exciting names on this list. The Chinese manufacturer is already active in Moto2 and Moto3, where it is gaining international experience. In the long term, the company is said to be pursuing bigger goals.
Initially, there is talk of a possible entry into the Superbike World Championship, among other things with a V4 Superbike prototype. Nevertheless, MotoGP is also repeatedly mentioned as an option. An entry would make CFMoto the first Chinese manufacturer in MotoGP. However, speculation about a possible replacement for KTM is currently considered unconfirmed.
Suzuki: Interest exists, schedule open
Suzuki occupies the middle spot in this ranking. The Hamamatsu-based manufacturer withdrew from MotoGP at the end of 2022, but has never completely severed ties with the series. Although there is no clear signal of an imminent return, fundamental interest has been confirmed on several occasions.
Most recently, the presentation of a new GSX R1000R attracted attention. Even though this model has no direct connection to MotoGP technology, it nevertheless shows that Suzuki continues to develop performance-oriented sports motorcycles. The last MotoGP campaign was a sporting success, crowned by the world championship title in 2020. Statements from the company’s management suggest that a return is at least possible in the long term.
MV Agusta: Dependent on future rules
MV Agusta is rated comparatively highly despite its limited resources. This is based on statements made in the summer, which indicated interest in entering the series from 2027. However, the decisive factor will be the technical regulations.
The new chairman of the supervisory board, Hubert Trunkenpolz, explained:
“We need to figure out what the technical MotoGP regulations will look like for MV Agusta when Liberty Media gets involved.”
He went on to say:
“Quite honestly, with the resources available, MV Agusta won’t be able to develop its own 850cc four-cylinder engine for MotoGP.”
Entering the series would therefore only be realistic if customer engines or partnerships were permitted in the future. Nevertheless, the brand’s long-standing Grand Prix history suggests a fundamental interest.
BMW: Currently the hottest candidate
BMW is currently considered the most likely new entrant. The German manufacturer has a strong sporting presence and has recently celebrated great successes in the Superbike World Championship. Its interest in MotoGP has been openly confirmed on several occasions.
The rule change in 2027 was long considered the ideal time window for entry. However, BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch recently dampened expectations and admitted that a start as early as 2027 could be difficult. Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to Pramac Yamaha for 2026 is likely to have further influenced plans, as he was considered a key figure for a possible project.
Nevertheless, BMW remains the manufacturer most likely to enter MotoGP. Further clarity could emerge in the course of 2026.
→ For all information on the MotoGP 2026 season – teams, riders, calendar & standings – visit our MotoGP 2026 Season Overview.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: 2027 MotoGP Season: The Complete Overview. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
