Fabio Quartararo remains confident in his decision to join Honda for the 2027 MotoGP season, despite the manufacturer currently sitting near the bottom of the championship standings.
The 2021 world champion will leave Yamaha at the end of 2026 after a difficult period for the Japanese manufacturer. With Honda also struggling, his decision to switch teams may appear like a sideways move. However, Quartararo believes Honda offers greater potential as MotoGP prepares for major technical changes in 2027.
The Frenchman had previously been linked with a move to Ducati, including the possibility of joining a satellite team when his Yamaha contract was extended in 2024. This time, however, Ducati was not an option he seriously considered, with the manufacturer instead focusing on Pedro Acosta.
Quartararo believes Honda's approach to its recovery gives it a strong chance of producing a competitive bike under the new regulations, which will introduce 850cc engines and new tyres.
“Because I think Honda has been going through a period for several years now in which it wants to win again,” Quartararo told Motorsport.com. “It’s putting all its resources into making a comeback.”
“With the change in regulations, the new bikes and the new tyres, I think Honda can spring a surprise and produce a very competitive bike.”
Quartararo also believes Honda has learned from the departure of Marc Márquez, who left the factory team at the end of 2023 before eventually moving to Ducati.
Source: Crash.net
According to Quartararo, Honda realised it needed to respond more aggressively after losing its most successful rider. He believes the manufacturer has since changed its approach and made significant progress over the past two years.
“I think they understood [why Marc left],” Quartararo said. “Honda lost the best rider of all, and at that point they understood what Marc was asking for. They realised they had to work in a much more aggressive way.”
“Over the last two years, Honda has made quite a big step forward.”
Despite his optimism, Quartararo is not expecting to arrive at the opening race of 2027 and immediately fight for victories. The Frenchman knows he will need time to understand the new Honda and work with the team to develop its performance.
He said testing could quickly change his expectations if the bike feels competitive, but he does not want to set unrealistic targets before gaining enough experience.
“Just because I’m going to Honda doesn’t mean the bike will suddenly be the best one,” Quartararo said. “We’ll have to work, make adjustments and take it step by step. Step by step, but quickly.”
Quartararo's first opportunity to properly assess the new Honda will therefore be closely watched as MotoGP enters its 2027 era. For now, his focus remains on finishing his Yamaha chapter before beginning what he hopes will be a fresh challenge with Honda.
