Fabio Quartararo, currently with Yamaha, is nearing an agreement to switch to Honda for the 2027 MotoGP season after his potential transfer to Aprilia broke down due to salary disagreements. The French rider, whose contract with Yamaha expires after the 2026 season, is looking to leave his current team amid growing dissatisfaction with their direction.
Quartararo, aged 26, has been with Yamaha since 2021 and raced on their bike since 2019. However, after years of limited success and mounting frustrations, he no longer envisions a future with the Japanese manufacturer. His last victory was in the 2022 German Grand Prix, and he has only stood on the podium six times in the 72 races since then, including once in the most recent 47 events.
Negotiations with Honda Gain Momentum as Aprilia’s Offer Falls Short
Honda and Quartararo are said to be finalizing details on a contract that could see him lead their MotoGP team into the new regulatory era starting in 2027. Sources, including AUTOhebdo, point out that Honda remains the most viable option for Quartararo now that his Aprilia deal fell through. Aprilia was initially interested, but they could not meet his salary expectations.
The main contenders for Quartararo’s 2027 ride boiled down to Yamaha, Honda, and KTM. Ducati, meanwhile, appears set to sign Pedro Acosta alongside Marc Marquez, leaving those three teams as the prime possibilities for him. Quartararo’s preference for Honda stems from his belief that the Tokyo-based squad will adapt more effectively than KTM to the upcoming 850cc engine regulations and aerodynamic limits.
Salary Demands of £4.5 Million Per Year Prove Too High for Aprilia
Quartararo reportedly requested a salary of £4.5 million annually to join Aprilia, an amount that was beyond the Italian team’s budgetary constraints. Although this figure represents a significant pay cut from his current £10 million yearly salary at Yamaha, Aprilia could not accommodate his financial demands.
The move to Honda would fulfill Honda’s search for a top-tier rider to fill the void left by Marc Marquez’s departure at the end of the 2024 season. Honda retained Luca Marini for the 2026 season to pair with Joan Mir, but both riders are set to be out of contract following that year, leaving room for Quartararo to enter the team as a lead rider.
Potential Honda Line-Up and Uncertain Teammate Situation
If Quartararo joins Honda in 2027, the team could potentially assemble an entirely refreshed rider line-up. Mir and Marini must earn contract renewals for 2027, so Honda has yet to decide exactly who will partner with Quartararo. The team’s focus is on adapting to the new MotoGP regulations, and acquiring Quartararo is seen as a major step forward for their competitiveness.
Industry observer Carlo Pernat reported that Quartararo personally visited Aprilia’s factory in Noale to propose the move, only for the negotiations to stall due to salary expectations. Pernat’s insight confirms the financial barrier was the key factor behind the collapse of the deal.
“Carlo Pernat understands that Quartararo visited the Aprilia factory to offer himself to the team for 2027, but he sought to earn £4.5m a year.” – Carlo Pernat, MotoGP Analyst
Why Quartararo’s Switch to Honda Matters for MotoGP’s Future
Quartararo’s move away from Yamaha and toward Honda marks a significant shift in MotoGP’s competitive landscape. It signals the rider’s desire for a team better positioned to succeed under forthcoming technical changes and demonstrates Honda’s intent to reclaim prominence after a challenging period without Marquez. This development is likely to intensify competition among the factory teams as the 2027 season approaches.
For Honda, signing Quartararo offers a proven race winner capable of reinvigorating their MotoGP campaign. For Quartararo, it represents a chance to reset his career with a manufacturer keen to prioritize adaptation and innovation. Fans and experts will be watching closely as these negotiations conclude and the paddock prepares for the new engine regulations and aerodynamic rules set to reshape the sport.
