BMW Buys Suzuki's MotoGP Data

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BMW Buys Suzuki’s MotoGP Data

BMW has purchased Suzuki’s MotoGP data, possibly to fast-track their entry into the premier class.

According the Motosport.com, this was an insider’s news during the British GP over the weekend. And if it was true, BMW is seeking to pay €18 million for all the GSX-RR’s data acquired.

While BMW knows how to build high powered engines, they possibly need the data in terms of chassis setup and traction control strategies. 18 million is a lot of money, for sure, but it is definitely cheaper than throwing it at a blank sheet. Having the data in hand means BMW has a base to work from and develop their bike.

Dorna has been leaving an empty slot on the grid for the Bavarian brand and it is hoped that the latter will join the championship in 2027. 2027 is the year when MotoGP will go through another large revision, including the use of smaller 850cc engines in place of the current 1000cc engines, and not unimportantly, limiting the use of aerodynamic devices. BMW is already currently making an inline-four engine for their S 1000 RR superbike, so the MotoGP bike could very well adapt that engine.

At the time being, BMW has gleaned a lot of data from the WSBK project. They may have scored only one win in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, but the signing of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has since yielded 12 wins from 18 races this year. Will the Turkish rider be apart of BMW’s MotoGP assault? We can bet on this one.

Editor Info

Wahid Ooi

Wahid's lust for motorcycles was spurred on by his late-Dad's love for his Lambretta on which he courted, married his mother, and took baby Wahid riding on it. He has since worked in the motorcycle and automotive industry for many years, before taking up riding courses and testing many, many motorcycles since becoming a motojournalist. Wahid likes to see things differently. What can you say about a guy who sees a road safety message in AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."