Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Quartararo is a target for several MotoGP manufacturers as he threatens to leave Yamaha at the end of the 2026 season.
The Frenchman is set to be one of the big movers on the MotoGP rider market in 2026. He is growing impatient with Yamaha as they fail to deliver on the promises they made when he renewed his contract in 2024.
Since winning the MotoGP title in 2021, Quartararo has struggled to match the same level of performance as the YZR-M1 did not give him the tools to fight at the front.
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Yamaha will introduce the V4 bike in 2026, but Quartararo is now focusing on himself. He cannot afford to waste time, as he wants to win the title again, which puts immense pressure on the Iwata factory.
Yamaha want to keep Quartararo and partner him with Toprak Razgatlioglu in the future. But they must show him that the bike is competitive, or he has made it very clear that he will leave.
There will not be a manufacturer on the MotoGP grid not looking at Quartararo’s situation. He is one of the best riders in the field, and his destination in 2027 seems obvious.
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Ducati have been linked with Quartararo for 2027, but the Borgo Panigale outfit are also keeping tabs on Pedro Acosta. With the Spaniard heavily linked with the factory team, the Yamaha star may have to look elsewhere.
Honda are also reportedly interested in the 26-year-old as they look to sign a star rider in 2027. Like Yamaha, they have been working on rebuilding to the front of the grid, and Quartararo has seen their progress.
Honda chief Alberto Puig outlined their targets in MotoGP’s documentary on Quartararo: The Redemption Road. The Japanese giants made strong progress in 2025, with Johann Zarco and Joan Mir claiming two podiums each, the former winning at Le Mans.
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“It was really good that Joan got a podium, but, as you can imagine, our target is far beyond that,” said Puig. “It’s really difficult to win a title, let’s be honest. But this is our own and clear target and message. We’ve started and we are going to get there.”
Talking about Yamaha’s rivals, Quartararo said: “Honda have spent a lot of time in a struggling situation. But, right now, they are back.”
The Frenchman clearly sees the progress Honda are making and will continue to make in 2026. Given their substantial budget and history, it makes total sense for Quartararo to join them if he decides to call time on his Yamaha career.
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Honda are preparing a huge offer for Fabio Quartararo
Quartararo will give Yamaha the first races of 2026 to convince him to commit to their project for another two years. If the V4 is not competitive, he will look elsewhere.
Honda are keen on Quartararo, among several other ‘championship-worthy’ riders. They are plotting a big splash on the rider market, and the Frenchman is at the top of their list.
Insiders believe that Honda are preparing a giant offer for Quartararo. But he is not the only rider they are considering, with Acosta and Jorge Martin also being mentioned.
It remains to be seen what Quartararo will do for 2027. But Yamaha are under immense pressure to keep their star rider among their ranks.
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