YAMAHA CONFIRMS FABIO QUARTERARO EXIT FOR 2027 MOTOGP

Yamaha has confirmed that both Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will move on from the factory team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.

Fabio Quartararo at the Dutch MotoGP. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Yamaha has taken a major step towards revealing its 2027 MotoGP line-up, after confirming the exits of Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. 

The decision not to re-sign Rins comes as no surprise, as the former Suzuki and Honda rider has often struggled with the M1 since joining the factory team in 2024, albeit aboard machinery that at times was the least competitive on the grid.

However, Quartararo managed to outperform the capabilities of the M1 on several occasions, although he too, struggled to be competitive on a consistent basis.

Fabio Quartararo riding the Yamaha M1. Credit: Gold and Goose.

But with Quartararo being Yamaha’s most recent world champion, keeping the Frenchman has often been a major target for the Japanese manufacturer. That said, it became very clear at the start of this season that a new contract agreement between both sides was unlikely.

Quartararo has been heavily linked with a switch to Honda, which is expected to be confirmed soon, while Aprilia’s Jorge Martin will replace the 2021 MotoGP champion at the factory Yamaha squad.

Fabio Quartararo in Assen. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing, said this about losing both riders in 2027: 

"Fabio [Quartararo] and Alex [Rins have both played an important role in Yamaha's MotoGP project, and we are very grateful for their efforts, dedication, and collaboration over the years.

"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 story, 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, meaningful insight, and unwavering commitment, playing an important role in the YZR-M1 project's development. While saying goodbye is never easy after years together, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results until the end of the season."

Yamaha could be one of three manufacturers that has an all-new factory team line-up next season, with Honda and KTM expected to bring in two new riders each.

- Robert Jones