– 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, and at least until the end of 2028.
Read more Down-to-earth: Lawson and Lindblad fly easyJet to Belgium GP
It has been known for months that Honda wanted to secure Quartararo as a central figure for the future of its MotoGP program. As Motorsport-Total.com had already reported, the agreement between both parties was reached at the end of January. However, the official announcement took longer to come.
One reason for this was the agreement among MotoGP manufacturers not to publicly announce future rider changes before the so-called Concorde Agreement was signed. This agreement defines the framework conditions for manufacturers and promoters of the World Championship for the next five years.
Furthermore, Honda’s own schedule also played a role. The officials traditionally follow internal procedures, which further delayed the announcement. After months of evasive statements and reserved comments from Quartararo, the official confirmation has now finally followed.
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 the 850cc era of MotoGP.”
A statement from Quartararo himself was not included in the announcement, as the Frenchman remains contractually bound to Yamaha until the end of the current season.
Read more Montoya certain: This is why the Mercedes setbacks strengthen George Russell
Photo gallery: The career highlights of Fabio Quartararo
The second seat in the Honda factory team box is still open. The options for Quartararo’s future teammate are David Alonso, who is moving up from Moto2, and Diogo Moreira. The rider who does not secure the Honda factory team spot is expected to race for the satellite team LCR-Honda in the future.
Quartararo ends eight-year Yamaha era
The move to Honda marks the end of an eight-year collaboration with Yamaha for Quartararo. The manufacturer from Iwata enabled his rise to MotoGP in 2019, initially in the satellite team Sepang Racing. After two successful years, the Frenchman was promoted to the Yamaha factory team in 2021 and immediately crowned that season with winning the MotoGP World Championship.
However, after this triumph, Yamaha’s sporting decline began. The competitiveness of the M1 steadily decreased. Nevertheless, Quartararo decided to give the manufacturer another 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 to be introduced in MotoGP from 2027, as well as the missing connection to the new decision-makers within the company, ultimately led Quartararo to make his decision in favor of Honda around Christmas time.
Record of success: World champion, eleven wins, and 21 poles
Quartararo brings an impressive record to Honda. In addition to his 2021 world championship title, his MotoGP record includes a total of eleven Grand Prix wins, 32 podium finishes, and 21 pole positions. However, in the current season, the Yamaha rider has not yet celebrated a podium. In the overall standings, Quartararo is currently the highest-placed Yamaha rider in 14th position.
Read more Moto2 rider David Alonso gets MotoGP chance with Honda
