Honda Confirms Fabio Quartararo and David Alonso for 2027 MotoGP Campaign
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially confirmed a major shake-up to its MotoGP rider line-up, announcing the signings of Fabio Quartararo and David Alonso for the 2027 MotoGP World Championship season.
The announcements mark a significant step in Honda’s preparations for the introduction of MotoGP’s new 850cc regulations in 2027, as the Japanese manufacturer continues its push to return to the front of the premier class.
Quartararo Begins a New Chapter with Honda
After months of speculation, Fabio Quartararo has been confirmed as a factory Honda HRC rider on a two-year contract covering the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons.
The Frenchman leaves Yamaha at the end of the 2026 campaign, bringing an end to a successful partnership that saw him crowned the 2021 MotoGP World Champion. Since making his premier class debut in 2019, Quartararo has established himself as one of the fastest riders on the grid, collecting 11 MotoGP victories, 32 podium finishes and 21 pole positions.
Known by fans as “El Diablo,” Quartararo’s arrival represents one of the biggest rider transfers ahead of MotoGP’s new era, with Honda hoping his speed and experience will help lead the manufacturer back to championship contention.
David Alonso Makes the Step Up to MotoGP
Honda has also confirmed that Colombian star David Alonso will graduate to MotoGP in 2027 on a multi-year agreement.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the Grand Prix ranks. Alonso finished third during his rookie Moto3 season in 2023 before dominating the lightweight class the following year. After progressing to Moto2, he claimed his maiden intermediate-class victory at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix and currently sits fourth in the 2026 Moto2 World Championship standings.
Across his Moto3 and Moto2 career, Alonso has already accumulated an impressive 20 Grand Prix victories, 30 podium finishes and nine pole positions, firmly establishing himself as one of motorcycle racing’s brightest young talents.
Honda has not yet confirmed whether Alonso will join the Honda HRC factory team or LCR Honda for his rookie MotoGP campaign. However, he is expected to get his first taste of Honda’s MotoGP machinery during the traditional post-season Valencia Test following the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Honda’s Future Takes Shape
With the signings of both Quartararo and Alonso now officially confirmed, Honda has laid down a clear marker ahead of MotoGP’s new technical era.
The combination of Quartararo’s proven race-winning ability and Alonso’s emerging talent gives Honda an exciting blend of experience and youth as the manufacturer aims to re-establish itself as a championship contender.
While Honda’s 2027 rider line-up is beginning to take shape, the MotoGP rider market remains active, with further announcements expected in the coming months.