Honda has appointed Christian Pupulin as the team principal for Fabio Quartararo, who will move to the factory team for the 2027 MotoGP season. The Italian mechanic, who is currently Luca Marini's team principal, will work alongside the French rider during the new 850cc technical era.
Quartararo’s switch to the Honda RC213V factory engine is among the first deals concluded in negotiations, as first reported by Motorsport.com at the end of January; however, it is expected to be one of the last transfers to be officially announced. The Nizza rider will join the peloton’s biggest manufacturer after eight seasons with Yamaha — during which he won the 2021 World Championship.
Pupulin's MotoGP career
Pupulin, known as “Pipi” in Paddock, spent much of his career at Ducati working with Nicky Hayden, Andrea Dovizioso, and Jack Miller. Following Miller to KTM in 2023, Pupulin was appointed by Honda last year as Marini’s crew chief, replacing Giacomo Guidotti. Marini’s ongoing negotiations for a transfer to Tech3, along with a number of other factors, made Pupulin the ideal candidate to oversee the integration of the Quartararo into Honda.
Quartararo will be joined by another Yamaha representative. Ignacio Madurga, known as Nacho Madurga, is one of Quartararo's strongest collaborators within Yamaha. Currently responsible for tires, Madurga will accompany the 2021 World Champion on his switch to Honda.
Moreira and Alonso also have new team principals.
While Diogo Moreira remains the leading candidate for the second seat in the factory team, HRC has not yet made a final decision, according to information obtained by Motorsport.com. The reigning Moto2 World Champion Brazilian has shown quick adaptation during his rookie campaign in the 2026 MotoGP season. It has also been learned that Moreira will part ways with current team principal Klaus Nohles in 2027; Andres Madrid from KTM will join him.
On the other hand, David Alonso, who will be promoted to Honda's MotoGP program next season, will work with Joan Mir's current team principal, Santi Hernandez. Honda has largely shaped its technical staff for 2027 with these appointments.