Photo: BMW
The latest paddock rumors see BMW eyeing an entry in the premier class, with Marco Melandri allegedly having already reached and agreement with Munich for testing their prototype.
However, we are taking this with a generous pinch of salt, as in late March, the BMW CEO Stephan Schaller had declared that the company doesn't plan to spend big money on racing in the premier class with two riders.
"BMW would obviously have the economic strength to participate in the championship, but we will not use it to have two riders racing in that category," Schaller added, slashing the hopes of the BMW enthusiasts that hoped to see zee Germans in MotoGP. Mr. Schaller also added that BMW has its focus centered on developing road-going motorcycles.
The explanation for spending that million bucks each year in contingency money for riders in championships all over the world was also that they provided sustained sales, good brand visibility and a lot of input for the improvement of the road bikes.
Hearing about BMW thinking about MotoGP is at least strange in a way, especially after the company pulled out of the World Superbike series years ago. Apparently, the rumors also relate to Marco Melandri having declined an offer from Yamaha for a WSBK ride.
While the facts still don't make too much sense put together, we cannot help thinking no further than two years back in time, when the KTM CEO used to make similar declarations, only to announce the return of Mattighofen to MotoGP one year later, and even showing strong progress made with the development of the new RC16 machine.
We're not sure what our position should be regarding the BMW-MotoGP matter, but for now, we'll just go with the skeptic approach, at least until more information surfaces. Still, Suzuki, KTM, Aprilia...
"BMW would obviously have the economic strength to participate in the championship, but we will not use it to have two riders racing in that category," Schaller added, slashing the hopes of the BMW enthusiasts that hoped to see zee Germans in MotoGP. Mr. Schaller also added that BMW has its focus centered on developing road-going motorcycles.
The explanation for spending that million bucks each year in contingency money for riders in championships all over the world was also that they provided sustained sales, good brand visibility and a lot of input for the improvement of the road bikes.
Hearing about BMW thinking about MotoGP is at least strange in a way, especially after the company pulled out of the World Superbike series years ago. Apparently, the rumors also relate to Marco Melandri having declined an offer from Yamaha for a WSBK ride.
While the facts still don't make too much sense put together, we cannot help thinking no further than two years back in time, when the KTM CEO used to make similar declarations, only to announce the return of Mattighofen to MotoGP one year later, and even showing strong progress made with the development of the new RC16 machine.
We're not sure what our position should be regarding the BMW-MotoGP matter, but for now, we'll just go with the skeptic approach, at least until more information surfaces. Still, Suzuki, KTM, Aprilia...
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