Fabio Quartararo’s departure from the Yamaha MotoGP factory team has been confirmed by the Iwate plant.
Quartararo had been expected to leave Yamaha since the 2026 MotoGP pre-season, when it was first reported that he was negotiating a deal with Honda for the 2027 season.
Quartararo’s deal with HRC is yet to be made official, but Yamaha has confirmed that the Frenchman, along with his current teammate Alex Rins, will not ride for the Iwata marque in MotoGP next season, ending a partnership that began in 2019 and brought Yamaha the 2021 world title.
“Fabio (Quartararo) and Alex (Rins) have played an important role in the Yamaha MotoGP project and we are very grateful for their efforts, dedication and cooperation over the years,” said Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio.
“Fabio’s journey with Yamaha spans eight years, during which we have shared both great successes and difficult moments.
“Together we have grown, celebrated achievements that have shaped our history, and faced challenges that have strengthened us.
“Beyond the results, it is this journey that defines our relationship and, in the end, Fabio will always remain one of the true legends of Yamaha MotoGP.
“Since joining Yamaha in 2024, Alex has brought valuable experience, insightful insight and unwavering commitment, playing an integral role in the development of the YZR-M1 project.
“Although saying goodbye after many years of working together is never easy, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results for the rest of the season.”
Yamaha is believed to have signed Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura to its factory team in 2027, although these deals are yet to be confirmed.