{"id":259219,"date":"2026-01-30T11:08:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/259219\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:08:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:08:18","slug":"motogp-news-three-motogp-champs-set-to-move-in-sudden-silly-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/259219\/","title":{"rendered":"MotoGP news: Three MotoGP champs set to move in sudden silly season"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Three
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYamaha rider Fabio Quartararo. <\/p>\n

On Thursday, news broke that Yamaha\u2019s Fabio Quartararo is poised to ditch the Japanese manufacturer for another in the form of Honda.<\/p>\n

According to Motorsport.com, the Frenchman has signed a two-year Honda deal.<\/p>\n

Quartararo brought Yamaha its most recent world championship in 2021 but he has barely been a threat since 2022.<\/p>\n

Although he has had one-lap pace in abundance, the 26-year-old has not won a race since the middle of 2022 \u2013 prompting threats he would walk from the team.<\/p>\n

In the wake of the report of Quartararo\u2019s impending move, his manager Thomas Maubant said there was no agreement in place yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing I can confirm to you is that there are discussions with teams,\u201d Maubant said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHonda is part of them, but as of today, nothing is signed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

MotoGP team representatives, their 2025 machines and MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta joined a special photo opportunity during the Italian GP.<\/p>\n

There are obvious implications for Honda\u2019s current riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini, who are both contracted to the end of 2026.<\/p>\n

According to Motorsport.com, Quartararo\u2019s move would open the door for incumbent Aprilia rider Jorge Martin to take his place at Yamaha on a two-year deal.<\/p>\n

Martin, who won the 2024 title for Ducati satellite squad Pramac, has long sought to get out of his Aprilia deal.<\/p>\n

In 2025, in the midst of an injury layoff, Martin tried to sign with Honda but was roadblocked by Aprilia.<\/p>\n

In Ducati land, there are changes expected too. KTM has not been able to give Pedro Acosta a bike capable of winning the world championship, and the Spaniard wants change.<\/p>\n

Acosta has long been touted as a future MotoGP champion \u2013 and to do that, joining Ducati looks like the way to go.<\/p>\n

A vacancy is expected at the factory Ducati team with the underperforming Francesco Bagnaia at serious risk of losing his job. Where he lands remains unclear.<\/p>\n

Acosta has long been linked with Ducati, and now reports have emerged from Spanish outlet Diario AS that he will join Marc Marquez in 2027.<\/p>\n

Marquez is reportedly set to sign a two-year extension to continue riding the top Desmosedici.<\/p>\n

Acosta\u2019s vacancy at KTM is expected to be filled by satellite Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales.<\/p>\n

All of this came on the same day that MotoGP held its first shakedown at Sepang in Malaysia.<\/p>\n

Honda topped the timesheets thanks to Aleix Espargaro.<\/p>\n


\"\"\/
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