IWATA, Japan — Yamaha confirmed Tuesday that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave its factory MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to both riders’ partnerships with the Japanese manufacturer and paving the way for a new lineup in 2027.
Yamaha Motor Co. announced the decision in an official statement, saying both riders will complete the current season before their contracts expire.
“Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. announces that Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will end their collaboration with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season,” the manufacturer said.
Quartararo joined Yamaha’s factory MotoGP project in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the championship’s leading riders. During his tenure, the Frenchman claimed 11 race victories, 32 podium finishes and captured the 2021 MotoGP world championship, Yamaha’s most recent premier-class riders’ title.
The announcement follows reports that Quartararo has already agreed to join Honda’s factory team on a two-year contract beginning in 2027.
Yamaha also praised Rins, who joined the factory squad in 2024 after successful spells with Suzuki and Honda.
“Rins joined the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team in 2024, bringing vast experience and proven winning ability,” Yamaha said. “Throughout his time with Yamaha, he has contributed his experience and determination, driving the development of the bike and strengthening the team’s overall performance.”
Unlike Quartararo, however, Rins has not yet secured a ride for next season. The 30-year-old Spaniard has won 18 Grand Prix races during his career, including six victories in the MotoGP class, but his future in the championship remains uncertain.
Yamaha said both riders remain fully committed to delivering the strongest possible results during the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
“Yamaha and both riders will remain committed to the common objective of achieving the best possible results until the end of the 2026 season,” the company said.
The manufacturer also thanked both riders for their contribution to the team.
“Yamaha expresses its sincere gratitude to Quartararo and Rins for their dedication, professionalism and achievements, and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.”
With Quartararo’s and Rins’ departures now officially confirmed, attention turns to Yamaha’s expected announcement of Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura as its new factory riders for the 2027 MotoGP season, completing one of the championship’s most significant rider reshuffles.
