Cal Crutchlow is thrilled that Fabio Quartararo and Honda will be teaming up starting in 2027 to chase Grand Prix victories and more
For Fabio Quartararo, the 2027 MotoGP season marks the beginning of a completely new chapter in his career. After eight years on a Yamaha (six of them with the factory team), the Frenchman will ride a bike from a different manufacturer for the first time. Quartararo has signed a two-year contract with the Honda factory team. Starting in 2027, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion will ride one of the RC214V bikes with an 850cc engine currently under development.
So far, it’s mainly the test riders who are familiar with the characteristics of the RC214V prototype. The current Honda factory riders, Luca Marini and Joan Mir, briefly tested the bike at the Brno test in June, but neither of them will be riding a Honda in the first season of the 850cc era.
Mir is moving to Gresini-Ducati. Marini has an excellent chance of joining Tech3-KTM. However, unlike Mir’s move, his transfer has not yet been officially confirmed.
One rider who is very familiar with the characteristics of the current Honda RC213V with its 1,000cc engine—and, above all, with Honda’s way of doing things—is Cal Crutchlow. The Brit spent six full seasons (2015 to 2020) with the LCR satellite team. In the current 2026 season, he has been filling in for Johann Zarco since the end of May. As for Quartararo’s upcoming move to Honda, Crutchlow believes it could work out well for both sides.
“I think it’ll work out well. I know Fabio’s riding style, and I also know his character and personality. He’s someone who wants to win. Honda wants to win, too. I don’t see any reason why this won’t be a dream match,” Crutchlow said on the sidelines of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. It was the first MotoGP weekend after Quartararo’s move to Honda was finally officially announced. Behind the scenes, the transfer had already been finalized since January.
“I see this as a good move for both sides,” said Crutchlow. “For Honda, because in Fabio they’re landing a world champion who rides really well. And for Fabio, because he’s joining a team that wants to get back on the winning track. I find that exciting.”
“I think it’s exciting for the World Championship as a whole. In terms of talent, Fabio is among the absolute best in the field. Plus, he’s a hard worker. That’s why I believe this could be a good combination,” said Crutchlow about the Quartararo-Honda pairing.
