What Dorna have now told MV Agusta about their proposed return to MotoGP after 50 years out

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Legendary MotoGP manufacturer MV Agusta are planning a shock return to the premier class as the new regulations are on the horizon.

The Italian brand are one of the most successful outfits in MotoGP history. MV Agusta are second behind Honda for all-time premier class constructors’ titles with 16; Giacomo Agostini won 13 of those over a nine-year period in the 350cc and 500cc class.

The manufacturer left the sport in 1976 and are now plotting a return. MV Agusta are aiming to join MotoGP by 2027 or 2028, in time for the new regulations as the sport introduces the new 850cc bikes with 100% sustainable fuels.

The Italian outfit are not the only manufacturer to express an interest in joining the grid. BMW were linked with taking over KTM as the Austrian outfit’s financial crisis created huge uncertainty for their MotoGP project.

Now KTM have been saved, BMW’s links to the sport have gone quiet. MV Agusta are pursuing a way onto the grid in the next few years, but the message from Dorna and new owners Liberty Media is clear.

Dorna have told MV Agusta they will not have their own two grid slots in MotoGP

A report from GPOne has detailed MV Agusta’s plans for a potential return to MotoGP. They intend to lease an engine from a current manufacturer and take care of the chassis and aerodynamics with the 850cc bike.

The reason may be down to what Dorna and Liberty have told them about a potential entry. After conversations with Carmelo Ezpeleta, MV Agusta will ‘not receive two MotoGP slots of its own’.

Dorna have no plans to increase the number of teams or riders on the grid – currently standing at 11 teams and 22 riders. Therefore, MV Agusta must ally with an existing satellite team in 2027.

An entry as an official manufacturer is ‘only possible’ if a current factory does not renew its contract with Dorna ‘for the five years from 2027 to 2031’. MV Agusta are confident that they can attract sponsors, but their plan does not include building their own bike for the new regulations.

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What teams could MV Agusta take over in MotoGP in 2027?

All 11 teams are out of contract in MotoGP in 2027, which could create an opening for MV Agusta. However, former CEO Hubert Trunkenpolz is aware of how difficult their situation is.

He said via GPOne: “LCR will stay with HRC, Pramac has a very good deal with Yamaha, VR46 and Gresini are very closely linked with Ducati, Tech3 wants to stay with KTM after 2026 and Trackhouse has a strong partnership with Aprilia.”

Their chances of entering as a manufacturer or via a satellite look slim to none. The only possible point of entry would be through KTM amid their ongoing financial troubles.

KTM have reiterated their commitment to motorsport until at least 2027, but have not officially confirmed their participation in MotoGP beyond next season. For now, there is a chance that MV Agusta could take over the Austrian outfit’s project if their situation does not improve.

If they stay in the sport, there could still be an opening for the Italian brand as KTM could sell Tech3 and run with just two bikes from as early as next season. Guenther Steiner is being linked with a takeover of Tech3; MV Agusta could strike a deal with him to get them back onto the grid.