It’s finally official: After eight years with Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo is moving to Honda and will lead the Japanese manufacturer’s new MotoGP project starting in 2027
Honda has officially confirmed the long-awaited signing of Fabio Quartararo. The French MotoGP star will race for the Japanese manufacturer’s factory team starting in the 2027 season, at least through the end of 2028.
It had been known for months that Honda wanted to sign Quartararo as a key figure for the future of its MotoGP program. An agreement between the two parties was reached in late January. However, the official announcement took longer than expected.
One reason for this was the agreement among MotoGP manufacturers not to publicly announce any future rider changes before the so-called Concorde Agreement had been signed. This agreement defines the framework for manufacturers and promoters of the World Championship for the next five years.
In addition, Honda’s own schedule also played a role. Those in charge traditionally follow internal procedures, which further delayed the announcement. After months of evasive statements and cautious comments from Quartararo, the official confirmation has finally arrived.
Quartararo to Lead Honda’s 850cc Project
An official statement reads: “Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is pleased to announce the signing of Fabio Quartararo for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP World Championship seasons. Quartararo will compete with the Honda HRC factory team starting in 2027, at the beginning of MotoGP’s 850cc era.”
The press release did not include a statement from Quartararo himself, as the Frenchman remains under contract with Yamaha until the end of the current season.
The second spot on the Honda factory team is still up for grabs. The candidates to be Quartararo’s future teammate are David Alonso, who is moving up from Moto2, and Diogo Moreira. The rider who does not secure a spot on the Honda factory team is expected to race for the LCR-Honda satellite team in the future.
Quartararo Ends Eight-Year Yamaha Era
For Quartararo, the move to Honda marks the end of an eight-year partnership with Yamaha. The Iwata-based manufacturer had facilitated his promotion to MotoGP in 2019, initially with the Sepang Racing satellite team. After two successful years, the Frenchman was promoted to the Yamaha factory team in 2021 and immediately capped off that season by winning the MotoGP World Championship.
However, following this triumph, Yamaha’s competitive decline began. The M1’s competitiveness steadily declined. Nevertheless, Quartararo decided to give the manufacturer one more chance. In April 2024, the world champion extended his contract and reaffirmed his commitment to Yamaha.
The lack of progress regarding the new technical regulations set to be introduced in MotoGP starting in 2027, as well as the lack of rapport with the new decision-makers within the company, ultimately led Quartararo to make his decision in favor of Honda around Christmas.
Achievements: World Champion, eleven wins, and 21 pole positions
Quartararo brings an impressive track record to Honda. In addition to his 2021 World Championship title, his MotoGP record includes a total of eleven Grand Prix victories, 32 podium finishes, and 21 pole positions. However, the Yamaha rider has yet to celebrate a podium finish this season. In the overall standings, Quartararo is currently the highest-ranked Yamaha rider in 14th place.