Could this MotoGP champion follow in Marc Marquez’s footsteps in 2027? Fabio Quartararo, currently a force to be reckoned with on the 2021 World Champion’s radar, is poised to be a major player in the 2027 rider market. While he’s still a long way from challenging Marquez for another title, Quartararo’s rookie season in 2019 sparked considerable debate, with his seven podium finishes and the challenge he presented to Marquez a key moment. He seized the opportunity to win the 2021 title, but Yamaha’s progress was noticeably slow, with Quartararo struggling to secure a race win since that season. Despite Yamaha’s setbacks, he signed a new, substantial two-year contract last season, aiming to convince the Japanese manufacturer of its potential with a revamped V4 project. However, his initial test on the bike at Misano last month didn’t yield positive feedback from Quartararo, who felt the inline-four engine’s issues were a significant obstacle. The whispers of a satellite move have begun to circulate, fueled by the growing frustration amongst top-rated factory riders regarding the shift to the V4. Marc Marquez, on the other hand, recently made a bold move, joining the Gresini satellite squad on a year-old Ducati, opting for a year-long contract without a salary. This decision, coupled with the intense rumours surrounding Pedro Acosta’s consideration of a similar move for 2026 with VR46 Ducati, suggests a significant shift in perceptions among factory riders about satellite switches. Quartararo, when asked about considering a similar move, expressed a desire to ‘weight things up,’ suggesting he’s capable of earning a factory deal somewhere. He stated, “You always have to weigh things up,” when inquired about the possibility of a satellite move, but remains cautiously optimistic about his future prospects. He further emphasized that he’s ‘good enough’ to earn a factory team, but acknowledges the need to assess Yamaha’s approach to the new bike.”
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