Honda signs Fabio Quartararo to factory team for 2027-28

Honda Racing Corporation has officially confirmed the signing of 2021 MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo to its factory team on a two-year contract covering the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The announcement on July 21, 2026, ends months of speculation and solidifies the French rider as the cornerstone of Honda's efforts as the championship enters a new technical era with 850cc machinery next year.

Quartararo will depart Yamaha after an eight-year tenure that began with his MotoGP debut in 2019 and culminated in his world title victory in 2021. His move concludes a long association with crew chief Diego Gubellini, with whom he won the championship. Reports indicate Quartararo will be partnered at Honda by experienced crew chief Christian Pupulin, who currently works with Luca Marini at the factory Honda squad and has previously worked with Ducati and KTM. Quartararo is also expected to bring his tyre engineer, Ignacio Madurga, from Yamaha to assist his transition.

The identity of Quartararo's teammate in the factory Honda garage remains undecided, creating a central dilemma for the manufacturer. The choice is between promoting current LCR Honda rider Diogo Moreira or placing Moto2...