Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Quartararo has made the first move on the MotoGP rider market for the 2027 season, confirming his exit from Yamaha.
The Frenchman has been increasingly frustrated by the Iwata outfit’s lack of success since winning the title with them in 2021. Quartararo has often outperformed his machinery, grabbing five pole positions in 2025.
However, he has not been able to convert these performances into race results, and he has lost patience with Yamaha’s project. They will introduce the V4 bike in 2026, but Quartararo was not impressed during post-season testing, although his colleagues disagreed.
Wow! Did you see this one coming?
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old has been threatening to leave for some time. He was expected to be one of the early movers on the MotoGP rider market, with the 2027 grid set to be confirmed before the 2026 season starts.
Sure enough, the Yamaha star has dropped the first bombshell. Quartararo will join Honda in 2027 on a two-year contract.
MotoGP fans think Yamaha are ‘screwed’ after losing Fabio Quartararo to Honda
The news took everyone by surprise, with many fans baffled by the move on social media. On Reddit, many pointed out how bad this looks for Yamaha, as they have already lost their star rider before the season has started.
“Now imagine Yamaha nails the new regs… Fabio surely has some info about their progress that made him leave. Right?” said one fan. Another echoed: “Oh boy the new V4 surely must be shaping up good.”
One user sent an ominous warning to the Iwata factory, saying: “Yamaha better have a good backup plan because rn they look pretty screwed.”
Who do you want as Fabio Quartararo’s 2027 Honda teammate?
Another assessed Quartararo’s situation: “Getting like 5 pole positions that he couldn’t convert to podium probably broke him.
“Honda looked good last season with an unmotivated Mir and Marini who is not the best of riders. It does look a bit of a sideways move but since the factory Ducati looks filled with Marc and possibly Pedro it was between Honda and Aprilia I guess.”
More fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the news. One wrote: “A coup for Honda. Yamaha can’t say they weren’t warned,” while another said: “I love Yamaha but glad he’s finally leaving after many years to another team!”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career stats
Fabio Quartararo has just proven Marc Marquez right by signing for Honda
Quartararo had been linked with Aprilia for 2027, having been headhunted by the Italians before extending his contract with Yamaha in 2024. But the Frenchman also opted to sign with the Iwata outfit’s Japanese rivals next year.
That will certainly hurt Yamaha, especially with the deal being signed before 2026 has even started. Quartararo has not given the V4 a chance during a race weekend before deciding on his future.
Honda do have an attractive project, having made strong progress in 2025. They have begun fighting closer to the front of the grid, with Joan Mir and Johann Zarco grabbing two podiums each, the latter winning at Le Mans.
By signing for Honda, Quartararo has proven Marc Marquez right. The Ducati rider, who won six titles with the Japanese factory, felt that they would return to the top after regressing in the early 2020s – they certainly have by confirming the Frenchman’s signature.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
