The Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary was the stage for a significant automotive revelation during the 2026 MotoGP™ Grand Prix. The world premiere of the BMW M2 with xDrive captivated audiences, showcasing the first all-wheel-drive model in the M2 family. This event not only highlighted BMW’s innovative spirit but also celebrated the achievements of MotoGP™ riders.
The new BMW M2 with xDrive, boasting a combined fuel consumption of 10.4–10.3 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions of 235–233 g/km according to WLTPwas unveiled by Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP™, and Zsuzsanna Pócs, Head of Marketing BMW Group Hungary. The presentation was followed by an exciting demonstration on the racetrack, where Becky Evans and MotoGP™ rider Jorge Martín tested the car’s capabilities in the BMW M Racing Balance challenge.
The Evolution of the BMW M2
The BMW M2 with xDrive represents a leap forward in performance and versatility. Equipped with an inline six-cylinder engine and BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, this model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, outperforming its rear-wheel-drive counterpart by 0.3 seconds. The advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in various conditions, making it a year-round powerhouse.
The exterior design of the BMW M Award winner’s car is equally impressive, featuring the exclusive BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue paint finish. This color, a first for the BMW M2 derivative, adds a touch of elegance and exclusivity to the vehicle.
Celebrating Excellence in MotoGP™
Since 2003, the BMW M Award has been a cornerstone of BMW M’s involvement as the Official Car of MotoGP™. This prestigious award honors the fastest qualifier of the season, with points awarded in each qualifying session following the same system used in the races. The rider with the highest number of points after the final qualifying session of the season wins the award.
Notable winners of the BMW M Award include Marc Márquezwho has claimed the honor eight times, most recently in 2026, and Francesco Bagnaiawith three wins to his name. Other illustrious recipients include Valentino RossiCasey StonerJorge LorenzoFabio QuartararoSete Gibernauand Nicky Hayden.
Thrilling Action on the Track
The Hungary MotoGP™ event was not just about the unveiling of the new BMW M2 with xDrive. The Sprint race saw intense competition, with Marc Márquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team securing a dominant victory. Márquez, the reigning World Champion, held off challenges from Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing to claim his 18th-career Sprint win.
The race was marked by strategic maneuvers and close calls, with riders like Jorge Martín and Raúl Fernández pushing the limits on the track. The final standings saw Márquez leading, followed by Acosta and Bezzecchi, with Fernández and Martín rounding out the top five.
The unveiling of the BMW M2 with xDrive at the Hungary MotoGP™ not only marked a significant milestone for BMW but also added to the excitement of the racing event. As the season progresses, the BMW M Award will continue to honor the fastest qualifiers, celebrating the pinnacle of motorsport achievement.
