– For Fabio Quartararo, a completely new chapter of his career begins in the 2027 MotoGP season. After eight years on a Yamaha (six of them in the factory team), the Frenchman will sit on a different make for the first time. Quartararo has signed a two-year contract with the Honda factory team. The 2021 MotoGP world champion will start riding one of the currently developing RC214Vs with an 850cc engine beginning in 2027.
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The characteristics of the RC214V prototype are currently known mainly to the test riders. The current Honda factory riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir briefly tested the bike at the Brno test in June, but neither will ride a Honda in the first season of the 850cc era.
Mir is moving to Gresini-Ducati. Marini has a good chance of joining Tech3-KTM. However, unlike Mir’s move, his transfer has not yet been officially confirmed (Photo gallery: The contract durations of the current MotoGP riders).
One who knows the characteristics of the current Honda RC213V with a 1000cc engine and especially the working methods at Honda well is Cal Crutchlow. The Brit competed in the satellite team LCR for six full seasons (2015 to 2020). In the current 2026 season, he has been stepping in as a replacement for Johann Zarco since the end of May. Regarding Quartararo’s upcoming move to Honda, Crutchlow can imagine that it will work well for both sides.
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“I think it will be good. I know Fabio’s riding style and I also know his character, his personality. He is someone who wants to win. Honda also wants to win. I see no reason why this won’t be a dream marriage,” Crutchlow said on the sidelines of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. It was the first MotoGP weekend after the Quartararo move to Honda was finally officially announced. Behind the scenes, the transfer had already been decided since January.
Photo gallery: The career highlights of Fabio Quartararo
“I see this as a good step for both sides,” said Crutchlow. “For Honda, because they are getting a world champion in the person of Fabio who rides really well. And for Fabio, because he is joining a team that wants to get back on the winning track. I find that exciting.”
“I find this exciting for the championship as a whole. Talent-wise, Fabio belongs to the absolute top in the field. Also, he is a hard worker. That’s why I believe this can be a good combination,” said Crutchlow about the Quartararo and Honda combination.
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