Ruled out: Yamaha was no longer an option for Fabio Quartararo

Fabio Quartararo and his current employer, Yamaha, share fond memories of 2021. That was the year they clinched the title together. On the way to Quartararo’s first – and so far only – title, the team also celebrated at Silverstone. It was also ‘El Diablo’s’ penultimate victory on the Japanese M1.

After the high point of 2021, however, things went steadily downhill. Friends, the 2022 runners-up title was followed by a slump to 10th and 13th place. Both sides missed the opportunity to part ways – they carried on through another tough season in 2025 and the current year. Last summer, things could have turned out quite differently.

Silverstone 2025: Heavy defeat for Quartararo and Yamaha

Fabio Quartararo worked his magic in Q2, as he so often does, and pulled off something of a MotoGP miracle. His time of 1:57.233 secured the Frenchman pole position and a place in the premier class’s history books, as no other rider has been faster to this day. The races then broke Quartararo’s fans’ hearts. In the Sprint, the number 20 rider was overtaken time and again, and in the Grand Prix, his bike’s failure thwarted what had seemed a certain triumph on the island. This dealt yet another blow, sapping the 2021 champion’s faith in a future with the Blue team.

Seit 2023 regelmäßig niedergeschlagen: Yamaha-Ass Quartararo

Foto: Gold and Goose

What had long been rumoured unofficially has now been confirmed. Following the German Grand Prix, Honda confirmed the signing of Fabio Quartararo from 2027. Ahead of the first sessions following the winter break, the future HRC rider struck a neutral tone towards Yamaha, in that he did not make any negative comments. And yet the 27-year-old’s words revealed a great deal.

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Honda provided the appropriate answers

Quartararo: “We held talks with several teams last winter and made our decision even before the start of the current season. In the end, it was the technical capabilities that were the biggest factor. Honda answered my questions in a way that gives me a positive feeling about the future. Their plans, including their long-term vision, convinced me.”

At the same time, the top Yamaha rider – currently ranked 14th – admitted: “I’ve spent my entire career with Yamaha and I’m very grateful for that. Nevertheless, the time had now come for a complete fresh start – technically, but also mentally. It was also about getting a breath of fresh air.” Despite having several options, Yamaha was never even up for discussion for the future. “There were no negotiations with Yamaha,” Quartararo confirmed in England.

One champion leaves, another arrives. Jorge Martin, 2024 World Champion and current championship leader on the Aprilia RS-GP, also decided early on to switch to the Yamaha camp. In 2027, it will once again become clear that it is not just about a breath of fresh air or technical brilliance.