Marco Bezzecchi
Honda are dreaming big for the 2027 MotoGP season as they are prepared to sign a top rider to their ranks.
The Japanese manufacturer are on the up again in MotoGP, having secured C rank in the concessions system for the 2026 season. Joan Mir scored two podiums in 2025, while Johann Zarco claimed Honda’s first win since 2023 at Le Mans.
Who should Honda sign for the 2027 MotoGP season?
Do you think it should be someone other than the riders in this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Heading into 2027 and the new regulations, they are hoping to attract a huge name with the resources they have available. Honda are duelling with Ducati for Marc Marquez as they look to bring the Spaniard back in a sensational return.
But with the defending champion hinting that he will stay at Ducati, the Japanese giants are already exploring other options. Honda are looking to sign one of three riders who are ‘championship worthy’, with Fabio Quartararo, Pedro Acosta and Jorge Martin all linked.
Honda have already made a ‘very serious’ offer to Jorge Martin for 2027
It would appear that one of those names has already had a contract put to them. According to Paddock GP, Honda have made a ‘very serious’ offer to Martin.
The Spaniard has long been linked with the manufacturer since his contract dispute with Aprilia earlier in 2025. Martin tried to break his contract after suffering numerous injuries at the start of the season and expressing dissatisfaction with the Noale outfit’s project.
Japan was his preferred destination, with rumours suggesting that Honda had offered a three-year contract to Martin before Dorna intervened. While the 2024 champion has reconciled with Aprilia, interest from their rivals is still there.
Martin will be looking to stay injury-free in 2026, and if he can start the season well, Aprilia will look to retain his services. However, ‘the door remains ajar’ at Honda, and given the previous links, a move is entirely possible.
But the Japanese outfit are facing competition for the Spaniard. Yamaha are also interested in Martin and could poach the Aprilia star for 2027.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Honda want to keep Luca Marini even if it means ‘sacrificing’ Johann Zarco
Naturally, signing Martin or another big-name rider would mean a shift in Honda’s rider line-up. Their factory riders, Mir and Luca Marini, are out of contract at the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, LCR’s Zarco is contracted until 2027, while rookie Diogo Moreira has signed a three-year agreement with Honda and is clearly in their long-term plans.
But the Japanese giants have also made their intentions clear. Paddock GP’s report says that Honda ‘would like to keep’ Marini within their line-up, even if it meant ‘sacrificing’ Zarco.
It would suggest that, if it were to come to it, the Frenchman’s contract could be terminated in order to keep the Italian on board in some capacity.
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