Yamaha respond to Quartararo-Honda rumours: 'We'll have to accept it'

Rumours have already been circulating the MotoGP paddock before the season has even started, and they are some pretty dramatic ones at that. Fabio Quartararo, the face of Yamaha in MotoGP for the last few seasons, could be set to depart for Honda in what would be quite a shock transfer heading into the 2027 regulation changes.

Quartararo, who won the MotoGP World Championship in 2021 with Yamaha, has widely been seen as a mainstay for the Japanese team - though recent years have seen the manufacturer's performances slip to less competitive results.

Following the shock rumours that the French rider could be set to depart at the end of the season, Pavesio gave his thoughts in an interview with GPOne:

"I can only believe in what I know, and I can only speak for myself. I know that right now everyone is talking to everyone else, everyone wants to have the full picture. This isn't the Champions League where there are 40 teams and 500 players, here there are 22 riders, of whom five or six are top riders, and five manufacturers. It's obvious and normal that everyone is talking to everyone, but that doesn't mean there is any news. I have no information from Fabio or his manager."

"We're all human. Fabio has already spoken to his team. This creates additiona stress, which doesn't make me happy because this is our first day in a long journey in which many people have put a lot of effort. [...] I'd be stupid to say I wouldn't want Fabio with us next year, I love the idea, as long as Fabio wants to stay. [...] If that's not possible, we'll have to accept it."

While the comments don't exactly clear things up with regard to the future of Quartararo or Yamaha, there has also been speculation that 2024 champion Jorge Martin could replace the Frenchman if the change does go ahead.

This follows on from rumours that Pedo Acosta has already signed for Ducati's factory team in 2027, though whether he will replace Bagnaia or Marquez remains to be seen.

Marquez has hinted that his body will force him to retire sooner than his mind, and his exit could cause a huge shake up the grid if it is indeed the last season for the reigning champion. 

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