Quartararo Begins New Chapter with Honda for 2027
One of the biggest rider transfers in recent MotoGP history has officially been confirmed, with 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo set to leave Yamaha at the conclusion of the 2026 season to join Honda Racing Corporation from 2027.
Credit: Samuel Densley Photography
The announcement brings an end to one of the most successful partnerships of the modern MotoGP era. Quartararo has spent eight seasons with Yamaha, delivering the Japanese manufacturer its first premier-class title since Jorge Lorenzo's championship triumph in 2015 and becoming the face of the factory during a period of rebuilding and fierce competition.
While the Frenchman enjoyed tremendous success in blue, recent seasons have proven increasingly challenging. Yamaha has worked tirelessly to return to the front of the field, introducing significant technical developments and expanding its testing programme, but consistent podium finishes and championship challenges have remained difficult to achieve.
The move to Honda signals a fresh opportunity for both rider and manufacturer.
Credit: Samuel Densley Photography
Honda has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two seasons, investing heavily in development ahead of MotoGP's new technical regulations that arrive in 2027. The addition of Quartararo gives the Japanese giant one of the fastest and most technically gifted riders on the grid as it looks to return to championship-winning form.
For Quartararo, the decision represents a chance to begin a new chapter after becoming synonymous with Yamaha throughout his MotoGP career.
The Frenchman leaves behind an impressive legacy, including multiple Grand Prix victories, a world championship and countless memorable battles against some of the sport's greatest riders. His smooth riding style and ability to extract maximum performance from the Yamaha earned widespread admiration throughout the paddock.
Attention will now turn to how quickly Quartararo can adapt to Honda's machinery when pre-season testing begins ahead of the 2027 campaign.
With an entirely new generation of 850cc motorcycles set to debut, every manufacturer will effectively start from a clean slate, making rider experience and adaptability more valuable than ever.
Honda will hope Quartararo's proven speed can accelerate its return to the front, while the Frenchman will be aiming to add further world championships to an already outstanding career.
The 2027 season is still months away, but one thing is already certain. One of MotoGP's biggest stars will be wearing different colours, and expectations will be enormous as Fabio Quartararo begins the next chapter of his premier-class career with Honda.