BMW is considering entering further World Championship classes

By developing a superbike in the 2000s, BMW sought to shake off its previously rather conservative image. The S1000RR (K46), unveiled in 2009, was an instant success and marked the beginning of a new era for the Munich-based manufacturer. At the same time, BMW ventured onto the international racing stage with a factory entry in the Superbike World Championship.

However, the ambitious targets were initially missed by a wide margin. Following a change in management, the manufacturer withdrew from the series. It was not until 2019 that the company returned to the World Superbike Championship. With Toprak Razgatlioglu winning two world titles, BMW finally achieved its long-awaited sporting breakthrough.

BMW does not (yet) have a platform for nurturing young talent

The Munich-based company reaffirmed its commitment to motor racing just over a month ago. The project in the World Superbike Championship therefore has a secure future ahead of it. However, compared to its competitors, the manufacturer lacks a crucial component: a sports bike below the top-of-the-range model that would enable participation in the Supersport or Sportbike World Championships.

BMW Motorsport Direktor Sven Blusch

Foto: BMW

Whilst Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda are represented in several categories and can guide young riders to the top via Supersport or Sportbike classes, BMW currently has no comparable platform. Consequently, a factory entry into the Supersport World Championship or the Sportbike World Championship is not on the cards at present. This means BMW has no way of nurturing its own young talent.

BMW Motorsport Director Sven Blusch certainly sees this as a disadvantage. “We have recognised that motorsport is also a very important component for BMW Motorrad. We have made it our top priority,” emphasised the German. Developments in recent years clearly demonstrate the importance racing now holds within the company.

At the same time, Blusch admits that the lack of a grassroots programme limits the possibilities. “Of course, it’s difficult when the grassroots programme is missing. We’d like to have that option. If we had opportunities in this regard, that would be a help,” explained Blusch. Nevertheless, any potential expansion of the model range should not be driven solely by sporting considerations. Rather, a suitable motorcycle must fit into BMW Motorrad’s long-term strategy. “It must also fit in with BMW Motorrad’s long-term strategy. We need to have the right motorbikes to feed this system. It must fit in with the company’s strategy,” explained Blusch.

Is BMW already working on a supersport model?

The comments made by the Director of Motorsport are nonetheless striking. Whilst BMW has consistently invested in racing in recent years and developed the M1000RR into a winning machine, there have so far been no concrete indications of further high-performance models. Now, for the first time, Blusch is hinting that this could change in the future.

“Motorsport is now a high priority. And that’s why there’s a chance we could change that in future,” said the BMW manager. Although Blusch did not provide any specific details, his words leave room for speculation about a future sports motorbike that could bridge the gap between road models and the racetrack. For BMW, this would not only open the door to further world championships, but also offer the opportunity to establish a sustainable youth development programme modelled on that of its competitors.