At a press conference held in Sepang, Fabio Quartararo responded to speculation surrounding his potential agreement with Honda for the upcoming MotoGP season. The French rider confirmed that discussions are ongoing, including with Honda, but emphasized that no contract has been signed yet. Quartararo is currently evaluating options for 2027 amidst regulatory changes shaping team strategies.
Current Negotiations and Team Talks
Quartararo revealed he is in conversation with multiple teams, including both Honda and Yamaha, though he withheld full details.
“The only thing I can confirm today is that I am talking to several teams, and Honda is one of them, but I haven’t signed anything,”
he stated.
Asked if Yamaha is also involved, he said,
“Of course… although I can’t tell you everything (laughs). We are talking to many teams, and I will take the time I need to make my decision for 2027. Nothing has been decided or signed at this time.”
Handling Pressure Amid Contract Talks
Despite the complex situation occurring well before official pre-season testing, Quartararo remained composed. He credited his support team for helping him manage the pressure effectively.
“I have the right people by my side helping me, and it’s not something that puts pressure on me. When I was younger, I learned that you’re under a lot of pressure when no teams want you. In that case, you get scared and can’t ride. When you have offers, however, everything becomes easier mentally. Having lots of offers is a pleasure, not a stress,”
he explained.
Impact of Regulatory Changes on Decision-Making
The rider acknowledged the uncertainty caused by upcoming rule changes, describing the situation as a gamble for all participants.
“I’ll flip a coin! (laughs) It’s a gamble for me and for everyone. When you’ve been with a top team for a long time, you want to stay there, but you have to listen to everyone and understand their plans. Clearly, they want to sell themselves in the best possible way, but I think it will have to be my personal decision when I choose whether to stay or leave. It’s not a gamble, but it’s definitely a gamble for all the riders.”
Focus on Winning Over Financial Terms
Quartararo downplayed the influence of contract figures on his decision, prioritizing competitive success above monetary values.
“I don’t really like this question because everyone always throws around numbers, even at this point when nothing has been signed. I could double or halve that number, but that’s not what I’m looking for: I want to win. You saw my emotions at Silverstone (when he was forced to retire while leading the GP, ed.), it’s not about money, but about the happiness of being on the podium.”
Timeline and Preparation Ahead of Season Start
When asked about the timeframe for making his choice, Quartararo smiled and replied, “Enough.” In addition to contract discussions, attention has also turned to the new Yamaha M1 V4. He explained that both riders and engineers require time to fully understand the new machine, as some of the technical staff lack prior experience with the V4 engine.
“I can’t say much about the Shakedown. We need more time to better understand the new bike, especially on the part of the engineers. Some of them have already worked with the V4, but most, especially the Japanese, have no experience. We’ll see how we’re doing in these three days of testing, with everyone on the track, and I hope we can make progress,”
Quartararo stated.
Testing Program and Adaptation to New Bike
The testing schedule aims to assess the team’s current standing relative to competitors while sorting out technical details. Quartararo noted,
“We’ll have to measure our level by comparing ourselves with the others, and we’ll also have some details to sort out.”
He also discussed the need to adjust his riding style for the M1 V4, which differs significantly from last year’s model.
“I’m happy from that point of view. I have to adapt to a new riding style because the bike is different. Last year, our strong point was cornering, and the M1 V4 isn’t at that level, but we have room for improvement. I’m riding in a different way, and I still have to figure out how to get 100% out of this bike.”
Significance of Quartararo’s Decision for MotoGP’s Future
Fabio Quartararo’s negotiations with Honda and Yamaha come at a pivotal moment, as MotoGP faces regulatory shifts that challenge riders and teams alike. His choice for 2027 will not only impact the championship landscape but also influence how manufacturers strategize under new rules. Quartararo’s emphasis on winning over contract value reflects the competitive spirit driving top riders, making his eventual decision highly anticipated by fans and stakeholders. The upcoming testing at Sepang will offer insights into the performance of the new Yamaha V4 and how Quartararo adapts, setting the stage for a critical season ahead.
