Key takeaways

Cal Crutchlow believes that Fabio Quartararo and Honda represent a “perfect match” for the future of MotoGP. The British rider—who returned to racing action in 2026 as a replacement for Johann Zarco at LCR—praised the Frenchman’s raw talent and noted that the ongoing rider market shuffle is generating immense excitement across the paddock.

Quartararo spent his entire premier-class career riding for Yamaha. Frustrated by the slow pace of development on the YZR-M1, “El Diablo” bypassed contract renewal talks with the Iwata factory and locked in a two-year deal to join Honda. The identity of his future teammate remains undecided, as Moto2 standout Diogo Moreira and Moto3 star David Alonso—who are both under contract with HRC through 2028—compete for the second factory bike.

Asked about the incoming partnership between Honda and the former World Champion, Crutchlow offered an optimistic assessment.

“I think it’s going to be good. I know the way Fabio rides, and I also know his personality and mindset. He wants to win, and Honda wants to win. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a perfect match,” Crutchlow stated.

MotoGP 2026 Alemanha Sachsenring Domingo LCR Cal Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow returned to MotoGP action during the 2026 season (Photo: LCR)

“I think it’s a great move for both sides,” the British veteran evaluated. “Honda secures a champion of Fabio’s caliber, and given his riding style, I think he will do very, very well. Fabio gets to join a team fully determined to get back to winning ways,” he noted.

“The recent moves in the rider market bring a lot of excitement to the championship. But Fabio is an outstanding rider. In terms of pure talent, he is right at the top of the grid and works extremely hard, so I think it’s a solid combination,” Crutchlow concluded.

Crutchlow’s reaction arrives amidst a busy week in the paddock, with MotoGP promoting Carlos Ezpeleta to Deputy CEO alongside Carmelo while Jorge Martín celebrates his upcoming Aprilia debut at Aragon. Additionally, Marco Bezzecchi downplayed a physical setback following his Silverstone podiums, as Tech3 team manager Günther Steiner confirmed that Pol Espargaró will continue filling in for the injured Maverick Viñales at MotorLand.

MotoGP returns to action from August 28–30 for the Aragon Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete coverage of all sessions across every class of the World Motorcycle Championship. Follow all updates on our news page.

MotoGP 2026: Drivers’ World Championship Standings (Top 5)

PosDriverTeamBikePoints
1Jorge MartínAprilia RacingAprilia RS-GP240
2Marco BezzecchiAprilia RacingAprilia RS-GP209
3Ai OguraTrackhouse Racing TeamAprilia RS-GP203
4Marc MárquezDucati Lenovo TeamDucati Desmosedici200
5Fabio Di GiannantonioPertamina Enduro VR46 Racing TeamDucati Desmosedici199

MotoGP Aragon GP: Schedule (Global Time Zones)

US (ET)

London (UK – BST / UTC+1)

Spain (CEST / UTC+2)

Thailand (ICT / UTC+7)

Indonesia (WIB / UTC+7)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Why did Fabio Quartararo decide to leave Yamaha for Honda?

Quartararo chose to leave Yamaha due to frustration over the slow development pace of the YZR-M1, signing a two-year deal with Honda to lead HRC’s revival effort.

2. Why is Cal Crutchlow racing in MotoGP during the 2026 season?

Cal Crutchlow returned to competition in 2026 to substitute for Johann Zarco at LCR Honda.

3. Who are the candidates to partner Fabio Quartararo at Honda?

Diogo Moreira and David Alonso, who both hold long-term HRC contracts through 2028, are the main contenders vying for the second seat alongside Quartararo.