In a constantly changing world, the goals and strategies of large companies change according to new scenarios. When BMW officially entered WSBK, it was 2009 and the main reason for this decision was the launch of the Bavarian manufacturer’s first sports bike: the S1000RR.
With this four-cylinder bike, the German manufacturer, previously known for its touring motorcycles, entered into competition with the standout sports brands like Kawasaki or Ducati, and aimed to challenge them in the championship dedicated to production motorcycles.
We all know how it went: many millions, many riders, but… no titles. In 2019, Munich decided it was time to try again and created another official team. Up to this year, the story seemed to be repeating itself, but Toprak Razgatlioglu seems willing to break the long drought and add a world motorcycle title (the first ever) to the German manufacturer’s trophy room. We are only at the beginning of the season and the road is still long and full of obstacles, but in Munich they are already dreaming.
A potential success in WSBK would open up new horizons for the Bavarian manufacturer, who, once achieving its goal (and solidifying its presence in the sports bike sector), could establish new and more ambitious goals, accepting the courtship that Dorna and MotoGP have been engaging in for some time. Not forgetting that a BMW in MotoGP would be the cherry on top for its new owner, the Liberty Group of John Malone.
When the Turk signed the contract with the German builder, more than a rumor referred that a future move to MotoGP (after winning the WSBK title) was also planned in the contract. But between saying and doing there is… Ducati with its riders and the GP regulations that will be changed in 2027.
At the moment, they are just rumors, but the “paddock radio” took them seriously, so much so that there are also rumors of interest from the German builder in Andrea Iannone, looking ahead to 2025 and a possible future entry into MotoGP.
It’s never too early to talk about the rider market, especially since some important contracts end at the end of this season, starting with that of world champion Álvaro Bautista. Will the Spaniard renew for another season or will he retire?
If Álvaro decides to leave WSBK, Andrea Iannone’s candidacy as Nicolò Bulega’s partner would be strong. At 34 years old, he cannot afford to have many intermediate seasons, so it is normal for Iannone to look to the future.
And if Bautista stays in place? At this moment, BMW could seize the opportunity and create a real dream team, composed of the former MotoGP rider and Razgatlioglu. Michael Van der Mark’s contract expires at the end of the year and Iannone could therefore be the ideal candidate for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team in 2025.
