According to Dorna's Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP has no plans to increase the current grid size. This includes the entry of new teams and new manufacturers.
There had been recent rumours that BMW was looking to enter MotoGP in 2027 when the new rule changes come into play. However, it now appears that the German manufacturer may not be able to enter on their own.
MotoGP dropped from six manufacturers to five at the end of 2022, when Suzuki exited the sport, only two years after winning a World Championship. At the time Dorna insisted that a new manufacturer would be able to inherit the old Suzuki grid spaces. Something that may not be the case anymore.
Ezpeleta sat down with Speedweek.com recently and stated that there are now no grid spots available. This is because Dorna wants the sport to stick at 22 riders and five manufacturers.
"In the end, what matters to us is the quality of the eleven teams, Ezpeleta told Speedweek. "Whether they are provided by five or six manufacturers is another matter. But it is no secret that our priority at the moment is five manufacturers."
"That does not mean that we want to prevent a sixth manufacturer from entering, but it does mean that another manufacturer would have to work with one of the eleven teams. Eleven teams, 22 riders, that's fixed."
The only loophole to allow a new manufacturer to enter MotoGP is if they enter with a current independent team. This would allow BMW to enter in with an established MotoGP setup but would take two bikes away from an existing factory.
