2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo has acknowledged ongoing discussions with Honda regarding his plans for the 2027 season. These talks could mark the end of his partnership with Yamaha, which began when he entered the premier MotoGP class in 2019.
Current Status of Contract Negotiations with Honda
During the MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test held from 3 to 5 February, Quartararo addressed speculations about signing with Honda, as initially reported by Motorsport.com. While he confirmed conversations are happening, he made clear that no formal agreement has been reached for the 2027 season.
We are talking, of course, with teams, Honda is part of it. But [at the moment] nothing is done.
— Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP World Champion
Quartararo added that he is not pressured by any deadline to finalize his future, emphasizing the need to review all options carefully.
I think we have to consider all options. I don’t have a deadline in my head.
— Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP World Champion
Testing Yamaha’s New V4 Ahead of 2026 Season
Quartararo began testing Yamaha’s latest V4 bike during the Sepang Shakedown, joining all factory riders besides rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu, who started testing a day earlier. Having ridden the new machine since mid-2025, Quartararo remains cautious about setting expectations for its initial season.
I think the best thing to do is to have no expectations at the moment because we know it’s a completely new bike,
he explained.
He acknowledged the challenges Yamaha faces with the new project as the current bike remains slower than the previous season’s model, but Quartararo stressed the focus will be on steady progress and maximizing race performance.
Of course, we saw that it’s a brand new project; still we are slower than last year but we have to take the real job, try to make some big steps forward and try to make the best races possible.
— Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP World Champion
Potential Impact of Quartararo’s Decision on MotoGP Dynamics
Quartararo’s talks with Honda signal a possible major shift in MotoGP’s lineup for 2027, potentially ending his long-standing association with Yamaha. This move could alter team dynamics and competitive strategies across the field. Meanwhile, Yamaha continues its development phase with the V4, aiming to recover pace and competitiveness.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as negotiations progress and testing results unfold, shaping the future landscape of MotoGP racing in the coming seasons.
