Honda has confirmed that 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo will join the factory team for the 2027 MotoGP season, marking the first major rider transfer announced for the new technical era.
Quarterararo’s Arrival Tied to Crew‑Chief Upgrade
Honda has paired the Frenchman with experienced rookie‑line chief Christian “Pipi” Pupulin, a former Ducati staffer who has worked with Nicky Hayden, Andrea Dovizioso and Jack Miller. Pupulin will replace Giacomo Guidotti as the crew chief for the squad that will now house Quartararo.
Supporting Personnel and Upcoming Teammate Rumors
Alongside Quartararo, the team will also take Ignaćio “Nacho” Madurga, Yamaha’s tyre specialist who has long worked alongside the champion. Honda’s strategy for the 2027 squad still leaves the identity of the second factory rider unresolved, with Diogo Moreira viewed as a leading candidate for the seat.
Moreira’s future crew‑chief will be Andres Madrid, a former KTM engineer who will step in after departing his partnership with Klaus Nohles. The Brazilian will continue to develop a new rider relationship, while David Alonso, slated for Honda’s MotoGP program next season, will see Santi Hernandez take over his current slot from Mir.
Technical Shift to 850cc MotoGP Machines
The 2027 season will also see the introduction of 850cc motorcycles across the grid, establishing the technical foundation for the championship’s next generation. Honda’s move to integrate Quartararo and its supporting staff is aimed at smoothing the transition to the larger engine format.
With the arrival of a proven world champion and a seasoned crew head, Honda is positioning itself as a front‑running contender in the coming race season, while still assessing the final composition of its factory roster.
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