MotoGP champion reacts to blockbuster team swap rumour for the first time

"Too much talking! Focus on what we can focus!" Quartararo said with a smile, he signalled that he was locking his mouth with a key and throwing it away in a MotoGP video shared on social media.

The 2021 world champion was asked about his reported transfer from Yamaha to Japanese rivals Honda at the MotoGP Shakedown Test in Sepang, Malaysia.

Quartararo is said to have signed a two-year deal with Honda, starting from the 2027 season.

The French rider had impressive performances the previous season, but achieving results with the 2025 Yamaha was a difficult task. The former champion finished only ninth in the riders' standings, and scored a single Grand Prix podium at the Spanish GP in Jerez.

Yamaha is bringing key changes to the upcoming MotoGP campaign. The new bike is called YZR-M1, and it is now equipped with a V4 engine.

Check out the full calendar for the coming 2026 MotoGP season here.

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