It was expected. Now it's practically a done deal: Fabio Quartararo will join Honda in 2027, on a two-year contract. The Frenchman was the first to make a move in the transfer market ahead of the 2027 technical revolution. After frustrating seasons at Yamaha, the 2021 champion has lost faith.
He had promised to leave to Yamaha The first races of 2026 were planned to convince him. Ultimately, he left… before even competing in a race weekend with the V4.
Since his world title, Quarterly has been battling for seasons with an underperforming motorcycle. Inconsistent performance, a weak engine, and unfulfilled development promises: patience has worn thin.
Behind the scenes, the climate reportedly didn't help matters. Ever since Paolo Pavesio replaced Lin Jarvis brand in 2025 Quarterly would not be convinced by the new management.
À SepangThe break was almost symbolic: a fall on the very first day, a broken finger, a rushed return to the track, then an engine failure that forced Yamaha to suspend the trialsThe Frenchman leaves the Malaysia injured… and misses the season launch at Kuala LumpurYamaha was not pleased.
Aleix Espargaró sells the Honda project
The test pilot Aleix Espargaró does not hide his optimism about Sports world that holds the top spot. " You're not going in blind. In Honda's case, It's a project that still offers many guarantees because it's the largest factory. »
For him, Honda has the human and financial resources to find a solution. With the arrival of a new motorcycle, we know we have every chance to try new things. and that they will eventually find the right formula »
He makes a direct comparison: if, for example, you choose the project DucatiYou know that you will also have a winning motorcycle and that the foundations will be solid. »
And he decides: "with the other projects, it is true that we It takes more risks because these are slightly smaller factories »
> " Yamaha As for her, she is starting from scratch with a completely new project. In my opinion, the Honda and Ducati projects are winning ones.. »
The switch to 850cc will change the game. Less aerodynamics, the disappearance of certain features, and more compact engines.
I will espargaro remains lucid: " I think motorcycles will evolve, but less than expected. The competitive motorcycle of today will remain so. »
In other words : Honda et Ducati start with a structural advantage. For QuarterlyThe choice is strategic. Staying at Yamaha would have meant waiting for yet another technical miracle. Going to HondaThis is betting on the manufacturer's historical ability to bounce back.
The Frenchman seemed drained by years of stagnation. The injury to Sepang and internal tensions accelerated a decision that had already been considered.
Honda He is promised a solid framework, an ambitious project and the guarantee of exploring all technical avenues.
After five years of chasing performance, Quarterly has chosen to pursue a new project. It remains to be seen if Honda will keep its promise: to find “the right formulaIf that's the case, 2027 could mark the return of "Diablo" to the forefront.
