Fabio Quartararo Denies Honda Contract for MotoGP 2027

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Fabio Quartararo has denied that any contract has been signed with Honda HRC for the 2027 MotoGP season, while confirming that discussions with the Japanese manufacturer are ongoing amid an increasingly active rider market.

The future of the 2021 MotoGP world champion has long been expected to dominate the 2027 rider market narrative. That momentum intensified last week following media reports claiming Quartararo had agreed a two-year deal with Honda starting in 2027, a suggestion the French rider has now publicly rejected.

Quartararo initially declined to engage with speculation when approached by MotoGP.com in the Sepang paddock ahead of last week’s Shakedown test. His position became clearer ahead of the Official Sepang MotoGP Test, where he addressed the media directly and outlined his current contractual status.

“Too much talking,” Quartararo told MotoGP.com.

“Focus on what we can focus.”

“Honda is one of the teams I’m talking to,” Quartararo said.

“I will take the time I need to make a decision looking towards 2027, but as of today, I don’t have anything signed.”

“I have the right people around me,” he added.

“It’s a gamble for me, but also for everyone else. Everyone will try to convince you. People can say whatever they want; it’s not about money, it’s about winning again.”

From Yamaha’s perspective, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP has yet to open renewal talks with Quartararo. Team principal Massimo Meregalli confirmed during the team’s launch last month that discussions regarding a new contract have not begun, despite Quartararo remaining under contract through the end of 2026.

Quartararo signed his current two-year Yamaha deal in 2024, reportedly worth approximately €12 million per season, after being persuaded by the technical direction led by Max Bartolini. However, the French rider was less convinced by the initial versions of Yamaha’s V4 engine he tested late last year, introducing further uncertainty around his long-term commitment to the project.

Amid the Quartararo speculation, reports also emerged suggesting Jorge Martin could replace him at Yamaha. The market picture tightened further on 2 February, when Aprilia Racing officially confirmed a new two-year agreement with Marco Bezzecchi, narrowing the pool of elite riders available for 2027.

With the 2026 season yet to begin, Quartararo’s final decision is expected to hinge on each manufacturer’s technical trajectory and competitive outlook. As a result, the MotoGP 2027 rider market is likely to remain fluid well into the early phases of the upcoming campaign.