David Alonso will move up to MotoGP with Honda starting in the 2027 season under a multi-year contract, Honda Racing Corporation announced July 21, 2026. The deal, confirmed by Honda officials, extends beyond the standard two-year term, though it remains unclear whether Alonso will race alongside Fabio Quartararo for the factory team or compete with LCR Honda.
The agreement extends beyond the standard two-year term typically offered to MotoGP riders, although the exact length of the contract has not been disclosed, according to reports from Motorsport.com and official Honda communications. Alonso’s promotion from Moto2 to MotoGP was announced through MotoGP’s official channels and Honda’s corporate statements, which described the signing as a key part of the manufacturer’s plans for the premier class.
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) confirmed on July 21, 2026, that David Alonso will join the MotoGP World Championship starting with the 2027 season under a multi-year contract.
While Honda confirmed Alonso’s move to MotoGP and his debut on the 2027 Honda machine, the team placement remains unspecified. Honda officials have not revealed whether Alonso will compete alongside Fabio Quartararo on the factory Repsol Honda team or ride for the satellite LCR Honda outfit with factory support. Media reports from Spanish outlet AS, cited by The Race, suggest Alonso is expected to become Quartararo’s teammate in the factory squad, but this has not been officially confirmed by Honda. Motorsport.com and Sky Sports Italy have also reported that Honda is evaluating whether Alonso will race in the factory team or as a factory-status rider with LCR Honda.
Alonso is scheduled to make his first official MotoGP appearance during the post-race test at Valencia immediately following the 2026 Valencia Grand Prix. Honda’s official statement and Speedweek confirm this plan, highlighting that Alonso will use the Valencia test to adapt to the premier-class bike before the start of the 2027 season. He will complete the full 2026 Moto2 campaign prior to this debut, with the transition to MotoGP testing duties occurring after the final race of the season.
The Colombian rider of Spanish heritage has been recognized as one of the sport’s top young talents. Alonso was the dominant Moto3 World Champion in 2024 with Jorge Martínez “Aspar”’s team, a key milestone that accelerated his rise through the racing classes. After two years in Moto2 during the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Alonso earned the promotion to MotoGP. Sources such as Yardbarker and The Race describe him as MotoGP’s “next big thing,” reflecting widespread recognition within the paddock and media of his potential and performance record.
Honda’s decision to sign Alonso is part of a broader strategic effort to strengthen its MotoGP competitiveness following recent challenging seasons. Reports note that other manufacturers, including Ducati and Yamaha, did not finalize deals with Alonso, making Honda’s acquisition a significant move to secure a promising young rider. Honda’s official communications emphasize the stature of Honda Racing Corporation as the racing division of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and frame Alonso’s signing as a long-term investment in the MotoGP project.
Details regarding Alonso’s contract, such as salary, performance clauses, or specific options, have not been disclosed by Honda or in media reports. The only confirmed elements are the multi-year duration exceeding the typical two-year term and the timing of Alonso’s debut on the 2027 Honda machine at the Valencia test. Honda’s official statement also notes that the team Alonso will race for in 2027 is still “to be announced,” underscoring that internal decisions about his exact placement within Honda’s MotoGP structure are ongoing.
Alonso’s promotion to MotoGP and his contract with Honda come amid anticipation that the manufacturer will combine the experience of star rider Fabio Quartararo with Alonso’s emerging talent to form a cornerstone of its future MotoGP efforts. However, the partnership of Alonso and Quartararo on the factory team remains speculative, based on media reporting rather than official confirmation. Honda’s approach to roster management for 2027 includes flexibility in positioning Alonso either in the factory outfit or with LCR Honda, both options providing factory-level support.
As Alonso prepares for his MotoGP debut at the Valencia post-race test and the upcoming 2027 season, his career trajectory reflects a rapid ascent through the sport’s ranks. His success in Moto3 and progression through Moto2 have positioned him as a key figure in Honda’s plans to rebuild and compete at the highest level in MotoGP. The exact details of his team assignment and contract length are expected to be clarified in the coming months as Honda finalizes its rider lineup for the 2027 championship.
