Honda has taken another major step in preparing for Fabio Quartararo's arrival in 2027 by appointing Luca Marini's current crew chief, Cristhian Pupulin, to lead the Frenchman's side of the garage.
Although Quartararo's move from Yamaha has yet to be officially announced, the deal has long been expected and is viewed as Honda's marquee signing ahead of MotoGP's new 850cc regulations, which will come into effect in 2027.
Pupulin brings a wealth of experience to the role. The Italian has spent the past two seasons working with Marini at Honda after joining from KTM, and previously built an impressive résumé at Ducati, where he worked with riders including Nicky Hayden, Andrea Dovizioso and Jack Miller. Honda believes his experience makes him the ideal figure to oversee Quartararo's transition into the factory team.
Quartararo will also be reunited with a familiar face from Yamaha. Tyre technician Ignacio "Nacho" Madurga, one of the Frenchman's closest and longest-serving members of his current crew, is expected to make the move to Honda alongside him to help ease the transition.
Honda sees the 2021 MotoGP world champion as the rider who will lead its new project under the incoming technical regulations. However, the identity of Quartararo's future teammate remains undecided.
Diogo Moreira is understood to be the leading candidate for the second factory seat after an impressive rookie MotoGP campaign, but Honda has yet to make a final decision.
If Moreira secures the promotion, he is also expected to receive a new crew chief. Reports indicate he will end his current partnership with Klaus Nohles and instead work with Andres Madrid, who is set to join from KTM.
Meanwhile, highly rated rookie David Alonso is also set for changes within Honda's structure. The Colombian is expected to be paired with Santi Hernandez, currently Joan Mir's crew chief and the long-time technical leader behind Marc Marquez's six premier class world titles with Honda.
By finalising key personnel well before the 2027 season, Honda is making it clear that rebuilding around Quartararo extends beyond signing one of MotoGP's biggest stars. The manufacturer is also assembling an experienced technical team in an effort to maximise its chances of returning to championship contention under the sport's new regulations.
