Quartararo Confirms Imminent Announcement on MotoGP Future Beyond Yamaha

Fabio QuartararoPlayer·Fabio Quartararo has confirmed that an official announcement regarding his future in MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP will be made "not long from now." The statement comes as the racing world anticipates his next move, particularly after YamahaTeam·Yamaha officially announced his departure from the factory team at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

YamahaTeam·Yamaha has already unveiled its new rider lineup for the 2027 season, featuring Jorge MartinPlayer·Jorge Martin and Ai OguraPlayer·Ai Ogura. This development solidified Quartararo's impending exit, despite having signed a contract extension with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPTeam·Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP through the end of 2026.

Speaking at SachsenringVenue·Sachsenring on Thursday, Quartararo addressed the timing of the news.

"I don't know exactly when, but it certainly won't be long from now," said Quartararo. "I think the official announcement is more for the public, but I have nothing to hide. I just can't say..."

The confirmation of Quartararo's destination is expected to be with Japanese manufacturer HondaTeam·Honda, a move that has been widely speculated since early pre-season testing in January. This anticipated transfer is part of a broader series of delayed rider lineup announcements for the 2027 season, which will also introduce new 850cc engine regulations.

Quartararo's decision to seek a new challenge stems from his consistent dissatisfaction with the performance of the YamahaTeam·Yamaha motorcycle. He has openly expressed concerns regarding the bike's lack of engine power, top speed, and traction, particularly after testing a V4 engine in 2026. His performance in the 2026 season, where he currently sits 14th in the MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP standings with 45 points after 10 races, without any wins, podiums, or pole positions, underscores the challenges he has faced.

In the preceding 2025 season, Quartararo finished ninth in the championship with 201 points, securing one podium finish. Notable performances included a second-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix and strong pace at Silverstone before a technical issue forced his retirement.

His move to HondaTeam·Honda would likely necessitate a change in their current factory lineup, potentially seeing either Joan MirPlayer·Joan Mir or Luca MariniPlayer·Luca Marini depart. Furthermore, his new teammate at HondaTeam·Honda is expected to be either Diogo MoreiraPlayer·Diogo Moreira, transferring from the LCRTeam·LCR satellite team, or David AlonsoPlayer·David Alonso, who is slated to make his MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP debut next year. The impending announcement will mark a significant shift in the MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP landscape, setting the stage for a new chapter in Quartararo's career and the sport itself.