Story byMotorsport photoOriol PuigdemontThu, January 29, 2026 at 8:31 AM UTC·3 min readHonda’s factory MotoGP team has finalised the signing of Fabio Quartararo for the next two seasons, Motorsport. com has learned. The 26-year-old Frenchman will leave Yamaha after agreeing a deal with HRC for 2027 and 2028, bringing to an end his association with the manufacturer, which handed him his MotoGP debut in 2019 - a widely unexpected move at the time. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementQuartararo is the most recent world champion for the Iwata-based brand, having clinched the title in 2021, before Yamaha entered a downward spiral that, after a long period of strain, ultimately led to his departure. In addition to that championship, ‘El Diablo’ has so far amassed 11 victories, 32 podiums and 21 pole positions in Yamaha colours, ahead of what will be his final season with the Japanese brand in 2026. As with all riders changing teams ahead of the introduction of the new technical regulations in 2027, the upcoming campaign will be a transitional one. It remains to be seen to what extent Yamaha will involve Quartararo in the development of the prototype that will debut under the new ruleset, defined above all by the switch to an 850cc four-cylinder engine. This outcome is significant given its implications, although the signs pointing towards a possible end to the relationship had been mounting for some time.