MV Agusta has announced its intent to re-enter MotoGP, aiming to make a significant return to the premier motorcycle racing class by adopting an innovative strategy inspired by Formula 1. The Italian manufacturer intends to rent engines from an established MotoGP producer while concentrating on developing its own chassis and aerodynamic designs.
This approach draws on the experience of Formula 1 teams that lease power units, marking a departure from traditional MotoGP entries that usually build full motorcycles in-house. However, sharing engines in MotoGP is rare, with few precedents such as Kenny Roberts’ KR bike in 2005, which used a KTM engine not actively competing in the class, and the use of Honda’s five-cylinder engine by both Roberts and Moriwaki in 2006 and 2007.
Leadership Changes and Growth Targets at MV Agusta
Recent corporate developments have set the stage for MV Agusta’s revival. Pierer Mobility AG sold its majority 50.1% stake to Art of Mobility S.A., controlled by the Sardarov family, in a €60 million deal. This transition accompanies a new leadership vision under CEO Luca Martin, who has revealed ambitious production and sales goals.
Our goal for 2025 is to sell 4,000 motorcycles, mirroring last year’s figures,
Martin stated. However, he acknowledged that KTM’s financial difficulties last year hindered their targeted growth in the first half.
Further expansion plans include increasing output at the Schiranna factory to 12,000 motorcycles annually, aiming to produce 1,000 units each month—surpassing any production level seen in MV Agusta’s eight decades of history.
In the past, our peak sales were around 7,000 units,
Martin noted, signaling renewed optimism for the brand’s resurgence.
MV Agusta’s Historic Racing Legacy and Its Modern Challenges
MV Agusta boasts a storied racing heritage, claiming 75 world championships between 1952 and 1974. Iconic rider Giacomo Agostini alone won 13 of those titles, with the last premier class victory recorded in 1976 at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Despite this impressive legacy, today’s MotoGP grid is dominated by manufacturers such as Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, BMW, and Triumph, posing stiff competition for any newcomer.
Entering this competitive environment requires strategic partnerships, as MotoGP team slots are presently limited and tightly controlled by Dorna Sports. From conversations with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, it was confirmed that MV Agusta would not receive direct MotoGP entries but must collaborate with one of the six established satellite teams, as BMW has done in the past.
Currently, these teams include LCR, Pramac, VR46, Gresini, Tech3, and Trackhouse, all boasting strong factory ties. With Dorna planning to cap the grid at 11 teams with 22 riders beyond 2026, the opportunity to join depends on the performance and strategies of the current manufacturers.
Engine Rental and Chassis Partnerships to Drive MV Agusta’s Entry
MV Agusta’s plan to rent engines from brands like Aprilia or Honda rather than build a complete new 850cc MotoGP machine aligns with its resource management focus. This move is aimed at accelerating their return to the sport by leveraging proven powertrains while developing other critical race components internally.
Hubert Trunkenpolz, the company’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board and former CEO, indicated potential collaborations with established chassis constructors such as Kalex or Suter to strengthen MV Agusta’s technical package.
Kalex has built components for HRC, and Suter has a track record in both Moto2 and MotoGP,
Trunkenpolz explained, underlining the strategic approach of combining external expertise with in-house innovation.
Determined Focus Exclusively on MotoGP Competition
Both Luca Martin and Hubert Trunkenpolz have been explicit about MV Agusta‘s commitment to MotoGP as their sole racing platform.
We either race in MotoGP, or we don’t race at all,
Martin declared, showing the brand’s determination to make a lasting impact in the sport.
With MotoGP gaining increasing visibility under Liberty Media’s guidance, it has become a key arena for manufacturers seeking brand prominence and technological advancement. MV Agusta’s return symbolises a significant moment for the sport and the company, which hopes to reclaim its status among the top racing contenders.
Potential Impact and Future Prospects for MV Agusta
MV Agusta’s MotoGP plans come with obstacles, from limited team slots to intense competition among manufacturers and satellite teams. However, its rich racing history and the innovative engine rental model provide a unique angle for a grand comeback.
The partnership possibilities for chassis components and the rental engine strategy reduce development risks, while the shift in ownership and ambitious production targets underpin a broader company revitalization. As MV Agusta embarks on this challenging journey, the motorcycle racing community is watching closely to see if the iconic marque can reestablish itself as a racing powerhouse.
