Fabio Quartararo may be preparing for a significant MotoGP change in 2027 as speculation grows about his future with Yamaha. Reports before the Sepang MotoGP Test suggest Quartararo could leave Yamaha after the 2026 season, ending an eight-year partnership that began in 2019.
The French rider’s frustration became apparent following Yamaha’s new V4 engine underperforming at both the Valencia and Sepang tests. Facing limited prospects with Yamaha into 2026 and upcoming regulation shifts in 2027, Quartararo appears ready to explore new opportunities. Rumors indicate that his next move could be a switch to Honda’s factory team.
Johann Zarco Recommends a Move to a European Manufacturer
At the Sepang Test, Johann Zarco offered his perspective on the rumors surrounding Quartararo’s next team during an interview with Fastlane TV. The 35-year-old French rider, experienced with both Japanese and European manufacturers, expressed a preference that Quartararo joins a European outfit instead of Honda.
Despite this, Zarco acknowledged that Quartararo could still thrive with Honda due to the information the Japanese manufacturer is acquiring for the 2027 MotoGP regulations. Zarco stated,
“I don’t know, sometimes we get surprises. I would not have thought he would have been interested in another Japanese brand.”
He added,
“I tell myself if Fabio wants a change, he should go to a European brand, because he has been so passionate about Yamaha. It is true that it is the same Japanese mentality, but it is not the same bike.”
Zarco further reflected,
“I think it is good, because Fabio is a top rider, and if he gets on the Honda I think he will ride very well. In my opinion, the bike could also be very good in 2027 because everything is new. With all the work we have done, we are taking information for 2027, even if the project is new.”
“We don’t know which bike will be the best, with a bit of luck, it will be the Honda. So, it could be really cool!”
– Johann Zarco, MotoGP Rider
Positive Remarks from Honda’s Team Manager on Quartararo
During the same test, Honda Racing Corporation’s Team Manager Alberto Puig was questioned about the rumors linking Quartararo with Honda. Puig emphasized that his current focus remains on riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini but praised Quartararo, describing him as fantastic.
Honda has yet to confirm their factory rider lineup for 2027, but they have made notable improvements to their RC213V machine. After struggling in 2024, Honda revamped their approach in 2025, resulting in one race win and three additional podium finishes from Zarco and Mir.
Early tests in 2026 have shown promise, with Joan Mir achieving a top-five lap time in the three-day Sepang event, suggesting that Honda could emerge as a competitive team in the upcoming season.
Implications of Quartararo’s Decision for MotoGP
Fabio Quartararo’s anticipated move could mark a pivotal shift in the MotoGP landscape, especially as the regulations set for 2027 aim to reshape the competition. His potential transition from Yamaha to Honda, or possibly a European manufacturer as Zarco suggests, highlights changing dynamics within the sport’s top teams. This decision will not only impact Quartararo’s career trajectory but also shape manufacturer rivalries and rider market movements in the coming seasons.
