Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Quartararo’s priority is staying ‘healthy and fit’ before he joins Honda, Carlo Pernat says. Quartararo is expected to leave Yamaha at the end of the season.
His anticipated move to Honda hasn’t yet been made official, but any possibility of an extension at Yamaha has faded. Quartararo started his career at satellite team SRT before stepping up to the factory squad in 2021.
El Diablo, the replacement for Valentino Rossi, immediately delivered the world championship, but he hasn’t won a race since his title defence unravelled midway through 2022. Amid Yamaha’s decline, he has now dropped into the midfield.
Finish the sentence, Fabio Quartararo’s best result in 2026 will be…
Fabio Quartararo will no longer give ‘120%’ for Yamaha
With his exit becoming a poorly-kept secret, there are signs that the relationship between Quartararo and Yamaha is under increasing strain. During testing, he was seen making furious gestures at the underpowered V4 bike.
Indeed, Yamaha cancelled their riders’ interviews after the season opener in Thailand partly because they feared that Quartararo would make a PR ‘mess’, such is his frustration.
Jorge Lorenzo says Quartararo’s criticism is ‘not fair’ and has reminded him that he is paid ‘many millions’ to represent the brand.
- READ MORE: Johann Zarco explains why Fabio Quartararo would be ‘really fast’ on a Honda amid Yamaha exit claims
Speaking to MOW, Carlo Pernat predicted that Quartararo would see out the season, but with a more conservative approach than usual.
“Quartararo clearly has enough, I think he’ll finish the season because he’s a professional, but the relationship between him and Yamaha is now a well-worn one, and we’re unlikely to see him give 120% again,” the former rider manager said.
“He’s made a choice for 2027 and wants to get there healthy and fit at Honda.”
Why Valentino Rossi is the big winner in the MotoGP rider market
Assessing the rider market as a whole, Pernat said Valentino Rossi has already ‘swept away’ the competition.
While he hasn’t confirmed either of his riders yet, VR46 are set to continue with Ducati under the new regulations, which will make them arguably the most coveted satellite team on the grid.
What’s more, Francesco Bagnaia is headed to Aprilia on a four-year deal and Marco Bezzecchi has already signed a lucrative contract extension. While Bagnaia has been forced out of Ducati, Pernat says Rossi can be pleased with that outcome for his standout academy graduates.
“I’ll add one thing: on the eve of the second GP of the season, the 2026 MotoGP already has a super world champion who has swept away everyone: Valentino Rossi,” said Pernat.
“He’s already secured two Ducatis for his team in the future and has already placed his two top Academy riders on Aprilias: that means he’s secured his future, or at least he’s already signed for it. Hats off!”
As part of the renewal agreement, Ducati have promised VR46 a ‘top rider’ for 2027, with rumours suggesting Fermin Aldeguer could move across from Gresini.
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