Fabio Quartararo Rumours Addressed for First Time

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Alberto Puig has stated that Honda’s MotoGP rider line-up for 2027 remains completely undecided, as the Japanese manufacturer addresses growing speculation linking Fabio Quartararo with a future move to the team.

Ahead of the first pre-season test of the 2026 MotoGP campaign, reports suggested that Quartararo had already signed a two-year agreement to join Honda from 2027. The 2021 world champion publicly denied that any deal had been concluded, although he confirmed that Honda is among the options he is currently considering.

The rumours intensified further following a difficult Sepang test for Yamaha, which was forced to miss the entire second day due to a safety-related issue with its new V4 engine project. The situation has added momentum to speculation surrounding Quartararo’s long-term future.

“At this moment, I can tell you that everybody is talking to everybody,” Puig told MotoGP.com.
“All manufacturers are talking to all riders, and all riders are talking.”

“It’s true that this process is coming earlier every year. But nothing is clear.”

Puig underlined that Honda’s immediate priority is to fully support its current riders rather than focusing prematurely on the 2027 rider market.

“The only clear thing for Honda right now is that we have to support our current riders, and that is what we are going to do,” he said.
“We will start the season and see how things go.”

“For sure, Honda has not defined the programme for 2027.”

Factory Seats Put Pressure on Mir and Marini

Honda has already secured Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira on factory-backed contracts with LCR through to the end of 2027. As a result, only the works team seats remain potentially available should Honda decide to pursue Quartararo.

That scenario places added pressure on current factory riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini, both of whom begin the 2026 season without long-term security beyond the year.

“I think many people, not only them, are fighting for their future,” Puig added.
“It’s a year when many contracts are finishing, and honestly, the whole paddock is in the same situation.”

“Of course, when you don’t have a contract for the next season, you have to fight.”

From a technical perspective, Honda emerged from the Sepang pre-season test with encouraging signs. Mir described the latest RC213V as the best Honda MotoGP bike he has ridden, giving the manufacturer a stronger baseline as it evaluates both rider performance and long-term strategy heading toward the 2027 regulatory cycle.