Fabio Quartararo is reported to have made the first major move ahead of the 2027 MotoGP rider market, with the former world champion set to leave Yamaha for Japanese rival Honda.
According to Motorsport.com, Quartararo has agreed to join HRC, ending a long association with Yamaha that began with his MotoGP debut in 2019. The Frenchman has been Yamaha’s leading figure since his title-winning season in 2021, but has repeatedly expressed frustration at the lack of progress and competitiveness from the bike.
Despite claiming five pole positions last season, Quartararo has not won a race in more than two and a half years. He came close to ending that drought at the British Grand Prix, only to lose victory due to a ride-height device issue while leading. Outside of Silverstone, he managed just one Grand Prix podium and two Sprint podiums, finishing ninth overall. The next best Yamaha rider, Jack Miller, ended the season in 17th.
Yamaha has taken significant steps to revive its MotoGP project, including hiring former Ducati technical director Max Bartolini, securing Pramac as a satellite team and committing to the development of a V4 engine. However, Quartararo’s reported decision suggests he has chosen his future before even testing the latest version of that engine, which debuts at this week’s Sepang Shakedown.
Honda, meanwhile, continues its rebuild after a difficult period. While Johann Zarco claimed a wet-weather win at Le Mans last season, the manufacturer has not recorded a dry-race victory since Alex Rins in early 2023. Still, under the guidance of new technical director Romano Albesiano, Honda has shown clearer signs of progress than Yamaha.
A win and three dry podiums last year allowed Honda to improve its concessions ranking from D to C for 2026. With sweeping changes coming in 2027, including the switch to 850cc engines and Pirelli tyres, Quartararo’s reported move appears focused on long-term potential rather than short-term results.
If confirmed, Honda would already have three of its four seats locked in for the new era, with Zarco contracted at LCR until next season and rookie Diogo Moreira beginning a multi-year deal. That scenario could leave either Joan Mir or Luca Marini without a ride.
The move would also narrow the options for riders such as Jorge Martin, who was previously linked to Honda during his Aprilia contract situation, as well as KTM star Pedro Acosta. At the same time, a factory seat would open up at Yamaha, where only Pramac’s Toprak Razgatlioglu is currently confirmed.
That vacancy may not remain open for long, with reports suggesting Martin is being lined up as Quartararo’s replacement at Yamaha.
With Marc Marquez close to renewing his Ducati contract, attention is now expected to turn to the remaining top riders as the 2027 MotoGP grid begins to take shape.
