This is a major move that could reshape the MotoGP landscape by 2027. According to information revealed by Motorsport.com, Fabio Quartararo has agreed to leave Yamaha and join Honda when the new 850cc regulations come into effect. The 2021 world champion has reportedly signed a two-year contract with the Tokyo-based Japanese manufacturer, ending an exclusive relationship with Yamaha that had lasted since his debut in the premier class.
Since his arrival in 2019 with Petronas SRT, Quarterly only piloted Yamaha YZR-M1, quickly becoming the central figure of Iwata's project. Promoted to the official team in 2021, replacing Valentino RossiHe delivered the brand its first world title since 2015. But after his eleventh and final victory in Germany in 2022, the momentum shifted. The persistent difficulties of the M1, despite development efforts, gradually eroded the confidence of the Nice-born rider. While he had recently expressed his willingness to participate in the project's rebuilding, his confidence has waned. Yamaha Insufficient progress would eventually have convinced him that his future lay elsewhere.
HondaFor its part, it has undertaken a profound technical and managerial restructuring. The recent progress observed with the RC213V is said to have weighed heavily in the decision of QuarterlyEspecially since the upcoming RC214V, developed for the 850cc regulations of 2027, offers a blank technical canvas with the potential to shake up the established order. By joining Honda at the precise moment of this regulatory transition, Quarterly positions itself as the leader of a new cycle.
Honda still has Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta in its sights
It now remains to be seen who his teammate will be. The contracts of Joan mir et Luca Marini expire at the end of 2026, and Honda will give them the opportunity to defend their place. MirThe 2020 world champion secured the only podium finishes for the official team in 2025 with two third-place finishes in Japan and Malaysia, but his season was also marked by a significant number of retirements. Management will assess his consistency and motivation at the start of the 2026 season. MariniMeanwhile, it showed signs of progress with two fifth-place finishes in Hungary and Indonesia, while consolidating its internal relations with the Japanese management, whose influence has strengthened in strategic decisions.
Honda However, it is not limiting its ambitions to the current duo. The manufacturer is keeping a close eye on Peter Acosta et George Martin. Acosta, strongly tipped for Ducati, remains a historical target of Hondawho sees him as a potential long-term leader. As for MartinHonda had tried to sign him for 2026 before Aprilia blocked his departure by refusing to activate the clause related to his injuries. A three-year agreement was even considered at the time. Although this attempt failed, the Japanese manufacturer has not given up on the idea of a future collaboration.
Finally, the LCR pilots Johann zarco et Diogo Moreira could also influence the final configuration of the official box. Both have factory contracts Honda at least until 2027, and the agreement of Moreira iincludes an option to join the official team from that date. In the context of a complete reorganization, Honda might favour an internal solution rather than external recruitment.
The arrival of Quarterly in Honda This therefore constitutes not just a major transfer; it triggers a series of strategic decisions that will shape the architecture of the 850cc MotoGP. By leaving Yamaha After eight seasons of loyalty, the Frenchman chose to bet on a rebuilding manufacturer rather than wait in a stagnant project. HondaThis is a strong signal sent to the paddock MotoGP The post-crisis era is supposed to begin in 2027.
