Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, will take on a new challenge away from Yamaha from next season in the MotoGP World Championship, moving to the Honda team on a two-year contract, according to the latter's announcement.

The Japanese manufacturer said in a statement: 'Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of Fabio Quartararo for the 2027 and 2028 seasons of the MotoGP World Championship,' adding: 'Quartararo will compete with the factory Honda team as the 850cc engine era begins in MotoGP from 2027.'

After eight seasons with fellow Japanese manufacturer Yamaha, which brought him to the premier class in 2019 and announced his departure three weeks ago, the 27-year-old will embark on a new experience with Honda after completing his final season with the team that gave him the world title in 2021 and runner-up the following year.

The French rider achieved 11 wins and 21 pole positions during his career with Yamaha.

After 11 of 22 races on this season's calendar, Quartararo sits 14th with 55 points, a huge gap behind leader Spanish rider Jorge Martín (Aprilia) who has 208 points.